Men’s basketball team drops close 76-73 decision to Pomona-Pitzer in opening game of Lopata Classic

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.) College, 76-73, in the opening game of the 38th Annual Washington University / Lopata Classic tonight at the Wash U Field House.

• Final Score: Pomona-Pitzer 76, Olivet 73
• Location: Wash U Field House; St. Louis, Missouri
• Records: Olivet 1-3 overall, Pomona-Pitzer 4-4 overall

• After the Sagehens scored the first basket, the Comets scored nine straight points, including the first seven by senior Noah Wiswary. Olivet led by seven points two more times. After the second time at 20-13 with 12:23 left before halftime, Pomona-Pitzer answered with a 7-0 run to level the score. The teams traded baskets to create a pair of tied scores at 22-22 and 24-24. The Sagehens went on a 12-6 spurt to gain their largest lead of the opening half. The Comets got a basket to close the gap to four points, 36-32, at halftime.
• A 10-0 Pomona-Pitzer run in the first two minutes and 33 seconds of the second half led to a 14-point advantage. Olivet chipped away at its deficit and evened the score at 62-62 when senior Derrick Johnson nailed a three-pointer. The Sagehens answered with a three-pointer before both teams made a two-point basket to make the score 67-64. Following another three-pointer for Johnson to tie the game at 67-67, Pomona-Pitzer made a three-pointer to go ahead. The Sagehens held the lead for the rest of the game.
• Both teams posted identical field goal percentages at 47.5 (29-of-61). Olivet made three more three-pointers but the Sagehens were 9-of-14 from the free throw line compared to 3-of-4 for the Comets.

• Johnson made 7-of-12 shots from behind the arc for a game-high 21 points.
• Wiswary scored 15 points and dished out six assists.
• Senior Ryan Robinette and sophomore Lorris Upshaw each netted 13 points.
• Robinette and freshman Haidyn Garrison grabbed eight rebounds apiece.

• Pete Boyle and Joe Cookson each scored 18 points.
• Ty Bergman posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

• Tonight's game marked the first time Olivet has played Pomona-Pitzer in any sport.
• Johnson has made at least one three-pointer in 24 of his last 25 games played.
• Wiswary has 29 assists in four games this season.

• The Comets face either the host Bears or Eureka (Ill.) College tomorrow in the consolation game of the tournament, starting at 5 p.m. CT.