Men’s basketball team loses to Adrian, 81-61, in MIAA-opener

ADRIAN, Mich. – The Olivet College men's basketball team started Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play with an 81-61 setback against Adrian College this evening at the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center in Adrian.

Olivet led by five points, 8-3, after junior Eric Ewing grabbed an offensive rebound and made a layup. The Bulldogs answered with a 7-0 run to gain a two-point lead, 10-8. The Comets knotted the score at 10-10 on a layup by junior R.J. Haas. Adrian then used an 8-0 scoring spurt to take an 18-10 lead at the 12:01 mark.

Olivet fought back and cut its deficit in half, 20-16, with 9:42 left before halftime. The Comets would get no closer for the rest of the half, as the Bulldogs led by nine points, 35-26, at the break.

Adrian created more separation in the second half, leading by 15 points, 52-37, at the 12:38 mark. Olivet battled back and trimmed the gap to only eight points, 52-44, with 10:01 remaining in the contest. The Bulldogs' 20-point margin of victory was their biggest lead of the game.

Senior Lee Gardner scored a team-high 25 points to lead the Comets. He made seven baskets, including four from behind the three-point arc, and seven free throws for his 25 points. He also grabbed a team-best eight rebounds before fouling out with 2:57 left in the game. Juniors Chris Chrzan and Zach Walker were next with seven points apiece. Walker also recorded five assists.

Adrian (8-4, 1-0 MIAA) had two players score in double figures. DaVonte Harris scored a game-high 28 points, and Christian Covile had a double-double (20 points and 10 rebounds).

Olivet (1-11, 0-1 MIAA) hosts Hope College Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. The game is a part of a basketball doubleheader in Olivet, as the Comet women face Calvin College at 1 p.m.