Women’s basketball team loses to Aquinas, 72-44, at 2010 O.C. Thanksgiving Tournament

OLIVET, Mich. -- The Olivet College women's basketball team was defeated by Aquinas College, 72-44, in today's second game of the 2010 O.C. Thanksgiving Tournament. For her efforts this weekend, junior Debbie Nikodemski (Rockford) was named to the all-tournament team.

In the first half, the Comets held the lead until the 7:48 mark when Aquinas tied the game at 15-15. After another tie at 22-22 at 3:44, the Saints closed the half with a 9-2 lead to take a 31-24 lead into the locker rooms. Aquinas scored the first four points of the second half to push its lead to double figures, where it would stay for the rest of the game. The 28-point margin of victory was the Saints' largest lead of the game.

In defeat, Nikodemski scored 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor. She made her first six baskets. Junior Alysia Cole (Roseville) added eight points and team-leading seven rebounds.

For Aquinas, Marisa Marx came off the bench to lead all scorers with 17 points. An all-tournament team selection, Taelor Sanders scored 16 points. Shelby Carter scored nine and grabbed 10 rebounds.

In today's first game, Indiana University South Bend got a basket from Ashley Hummer with 11 seconds left in overtime to beat Calvin, 64-63. Katie Hacker, the tournament's MVP, scored 26 points. For Calvin, all-tournament selection Carissa Verkaik posted a double-double, 26 points and 12 rebounds, and also blocked eight shots.

Olivet returns to action Tuesday, Nov. 30, when it travels to play University of Mich.-Dearborn at 7 p.m.