Women's basketball team beats Albion, 47-34

Seniors Audrey Graham (Battle Creek/Lakeview) and Stephanie Smith (Waldron/Camden Frontier) scored 17 and 13 points, respectively as the Olivet College women's basketball team defeated Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Albion College, 47-34, this evening at the Upton Center in Olivet.

The Comets (9-8, 6-4 MIAA) scored the first seven points and built a 12-point lead, 20-8, with 3:39 left in the first half. At halftime, Olivet led 20-11. The Comets opened the second half with an 11-2 run to extend their lead to 18 points with 15:30 remaining. Olivet held a double digit lead for the rest of the game.

The Comet defense held Albion to a season-low 34 points and 23.5 percent (12-of-51) shooting from the floor. Graham made seven-of-16 baskets and two-of-three free throws for her 17 points. Smith canned four-of-eight baskets, including four three-pointers and one free throw for her 13 points. She also grabbed a game-high six rebounds. Making her first collegiate start, freshman Kelsey Gordon (Vandalia/Cassopolis) scored eight points and dished out a team-high four assists.

Albion was led by Brittany Kemperman with 14 points. Stephani Croad and Chelsea Gray each pulled down five rebounds.

The Comets are now idle until next Wednesday, Jan. 31, when they play at Saint Mary's (Ind.) College at 7:30 p.m.