Men’s basketball team loses at Adrian, 78-49

ADRIAN, Mich. – The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Adrian College, 78-49, tonight at the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center in Adrian.

The Comets got off to a slow start, falling behind by nine points (12-3) in the first five minutes and 22 seconds of the game. Three times, Olivet trimmed its deficit to four points. The last time was 20-16 at the 7:36 mark. From there, the Bulldogs ended the half on a 19-5 run to take a 39-21 lead into the locker rooms. The closest the Comets would get for the rest of the game was 13 points with 17 minutes left in the contest.

Freshman Paul Lombard (New Era/Montague) came off the bench to lead the Comets with 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds and four blocks. Junior Dakotah Ellis (Birch Run) scored a team-high 16 points. Ellis and junior Alvino Ashley (Detroit/MLK) each grabbed eight rebounds.

Adrian had three starters reach double figures in the scoring column. Sean Gallant led all players with 19 points, followed by Adam Meier and Brad Whitby with 12 apiece. Gallant also pulled down eight rebounds.

The Comets (3-12, 1-3 MIAA) will welcome the Trine (Ind.) University Thunder to The Cutler Event Center next Wednesday, Jan. 18, for a 7:30 p.m. contest.