Men’s basketball team falls to Albion, 84-74

ALBION, Mich. – The Olivet College men's basketball team was on the wrong side of an 84-74 final to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Albion College this evening at Kresge Gymnasium.

Final Score: Albion 84, Olivet 74
Location: Kresge Gymnasium; Albion, Michigan
Records: Albion 13-11 overall, 9-4 MIAA; Olivet 6-18 overall, 3-10 MIAA

• The Britons led by 12 points, 23-11, at the 10:40 mark of the first half. The Comets used a 10-4 run over the next five minutes to cut their deficit down to four points 27-23. Albion out-scored Olivet 15-8 over the final 5:08 of the second half to take a 42-31 lead at the intermission.
• The Comets started the second half on a 14-4 run to trail by a single point, 46-45, with 14:23 left. The Britons extended their advantage back to eight points, 59-51. Olivet battled back and would not get as close as two points twice.

• In 19 minutes of action, senior Chris Martin made 11-of-17 baskets, including two from behind the arc, for 24 points. Eighteen of the points came in the second half.
• Senior Eddie Thigpen joined him in double figures with 18 points, followed by senior Derrick Johnson with 15 points.
• Junior Tevin Ali led all players with 12 rebounds.

• " We had a nice effort tonight in the second half," said Olivet head coach Sam Hargraves. "But as usual with this team, turnovers hurt us so bad. Eleven in the first half is hard to overcome, and then a couple more at bad times in the second half. If we could just cut down 2-3 per half, 4-6 per game, it makes a huge difference. We have to continue to improve on our decision making, when to pass, when to shoot, such an important skill in this sport."  

• Ken Thomas finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds to top the Britons.
• Cortez Garland tallied 16 points.
• Jonathan Armstead and Justin McAbee netted 12 points apiece.

• Olivet ends the regular season schedule Saturday when it hosts Alma College. Tip-off at the Cutler Event Center is scheduled for 3 p.m. Prior to the game, the Comets will recognize the seniors playing in their final home game.