Women’s basketball team opens MIAA play with 51-49 win at Adrian

ADRIAN, Mich. -- Junior Alysia Cole (Roseville) made a jumper with 12 seconds left to lift the Olivet College women's basketball team to a 51-49 win over Adrian College today in its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener at the Merillat Center in Adrian.

In the first half, Olivet built a pair of early 10-point leads, with the last one being 16-6 at the 13:02 mark. The Bulldogs clawed their way back and cut their deficit down to three points, 26-23, before a three-pointer by senior Caitlin Thilo (Onandaga/Eaton Rapids) pushed the Comets' lead to six points, 29-23, at halftime.

In the second half, Olivet continued to lead until Adrian took its first and only lead of the game, 40-37, with just under 10 minutes left in the game. Senior Stephanie Spehar (South Lyon) answered with a three-pointer to knot the score at 40-40. After four more tied scores, Cole made the game-winning shot. The Bulldogs had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer but their shot was blocked by junior Debbie Nikodemski (Rockford).

For the game, each team made 19 total baskets, including four three-pointers apiece. The difference in the game was the Comets made 9-of-10 free throws, while Adrian was 7-of-14 from the line.

Nikodemski and Spehar each scored 12 points. Nikodemski also pulled down a game-high nine rebounds and dished out four assists.

Kellee Wonders topped the Bulldogs with 11 points. Katie Ross came off the bench to score 10. Senneca Scott led them with eight rebounds.

Olivet returns to the court Tuesday, Dec. 7, when it hosts Saint Mary's (Ind.) College. Tip-off at The Cutler Event Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.