Connelly’s near triple double leads Olivet to 79-77 win over Anderson

HOLLAND, Mich. – Senior Lily Connelly scored 18 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and dished out eight assists, as The University of Olivet women's basketball team hung on for a 79-77 win over Anderson (Ind.) University today on day two of the Hope College Tournament. Connelly was named to the all-tournament team.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Olivet 79, Anderson 77
• Location: DeVos Fieldhouse; Holland, Michigan
• Records: Olivet 2-2 overall, Anderson 2-4 overall

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Olivet raced out to an eight-point lead, 15-7, in the first five minutes of the game. The Ravens used a 10-2 run to level the score at the 2:25 mark of the opening quarter. The Comets ended the quarter on a 10-1 spurt for a 27-18 lead. Olivet outscored Anderson, 18-11, in the second quarter to gain its largest lead of the game, 45-29, at halftime.
• The Comets extended their lead to 21 points early in the third quarter. The Ravens chipped away at their deficit and trailed by only seven points, 64-57, to start the fourth quarter.
• Anderson's hot shooting carried over into the fourth period, when it eventually tied the score at 66-66, with 6:14 left in the game. Olivet scored seven of the next nine points to go up 73-68. The Comets, again, led by five points, 75-70, at the 3:40 mark.
• A three-pointer and two free throws for the Ravens evened the score. A layup by sophomore Kaylee Bush put the Comets ahead by two points, 77-75. Anderson had a chance to tie the game but missed two free throws. After Olivet missed a three-pointer, a three-point attempt for the Ravens was also off the mark. Connelly grabbed the rebound and raced down the floor and made a layup to make the score 79-75 with under a minute remaining.
• Anderson made a basket. The Comets had a chance to seal the win but missed on free throw attempts. A last-second three-pointer for the Ravens missed and Connelly pulled down the rebound to help Olivet escape with the win.

FOR THE COMETS

• Connelly played all 40 minutes, while making 6-of-12 baskets and 5-of-6 free throws for her 18 points. All 16 of her rebounds came on the defensive glass.
• Sophomore Christina Malackanich also recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
• Sophomore Anna Honnen contributed 14 points and six rebounds.
• Bush added 13 points.
• Senior Clara Shoales scored eight points and blocked four shots.

UP NEXT

• The Comets head to Illinois next Wednesday, November 27, to play North Park University. Tip-off is 2 p.m. ET.