Men’s basketball team loses to Central Michigan, 76-62, in season-opener

Small posts double-double in Olivet debut

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Central Michigan University, 76-62, tonight in its season-opener at McGuirk Arena in Mt. Pleasant.

The Comets scored the first nine points of the game. The Chippewas came back by scoring 18 straight points to take an 18-9 lead. Olivet got a basket to make the score 18-11 before CMU pushed its lead back to double figures and eventually leading by as many as 26 points in the first half. The Comets scored with 16 seconds left before halftime to trail 44-20 at the break.

In the second half, the Chippewas extended their lead to 31 points, 51-20. Olivet fought back and trailed by only 10 points, 66-56, with 3:21 remaining in the game. The teams traded baskets and free throws over the final three minutes.

Making his debut in a Comet uniform, senior Garner Small (Schoolcraft) posted a double-double, 20 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Matt El (Allegan) joined him in double figures with 11 points. Freshman T.J. Vondette (Hemlock) came off the bench to grab 10 rebounds in his first collegiate game. For the game, Olivet out-rebounded CMU, 47-33.

The 'Chips had four players, including three starters, reach double figures in the scoring column. Zach Saylor led the way with 14, followed by Chris Fowler (12), Kyle Randall (11) and Blake Hibbitts (11). Saylor pulled down a team-leading six rebounds.

The Comets will return home tonight and will travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, tomorrow to participate in the College of Mount St. Joseph Tip-Off Classic. Olivet will play the host Lions tomorrow night at 8 p.m., and Thomas More (Ky.) College Sunday at 1 p.m.