Krestchman scores 20 points, Olivet begins season with 71-55 win over Simpson

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Led by freshman Porter Kretschman's game-high 20 points, The University of Olivet men's basketball team defeated Simpson (Iowa) College, 71-55, in its first game of the 2024-25 season. The game was part of the Loras College Tip-Off Tournament on Lillis Court.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Olivet 71, Simpson 55
• Location: Lillis Court; Dubuque, Iowa
• Records: Olivet 1-0 overall, Simpson 0-1 overall

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Following a 2-2 tie, Kretschman drained a three-pointer to put the Comets ahead 5-2. Olivet extended its lead to 13 points, 25-12, at the 9:32 mark of the first half. The Storm battled back to close the gap to seven points before Olivet scored the last two points of the half for an 11-point advantage, 31-20, at the break. In the second half, the Comets stretched their lead to as many as 26 points, 67-41, with 4:08 remaining.

FOR THE COMETS

• For the game, Olivet shot 49.2 percent from the floor (30-of-61) compared to 35.9 percent (23-of-64) for Simpson. The Comets also made four more three-pointers, 7 to 3. Olivet had a slight edge in rebounding, 36 to 35.
• Kretschman made 9-of-12 baskets, with a three-pointer and free throw, for his 20 points. He also grabbed seven rebounds.
• Sophomore Nathan Richardson scored 10 points and dished out six assists.
• Sophomores Conner Schipper and Brayden Wine netted nine points apiece.
• Schipper pulled down a game-high nine rebounds.
• Sophomore Lee Hardy had three blocks to go along with four points and six rebounds.

UP NEXT

• The Comets face the host Duhawks tomorrow in their second game of the tournament. Tip-off is at 5 p.m. ET.