Connelly’s double-double lifts UOlivet past Saint Mary’s, 54-52

OLIVET, Mich. – Senior Lily Connelly scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead The University of Olivet women's basketball team to a 54-52-win over Saint Mary's (Ind.) College in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) game this evening at the Cutler Event Center.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Olivet 54, Saint Mary's 52
• Location: Cutler Event Center; Olivet, Michigan
• Records: Olivet 5-10 overall, 2-4 MIAA; Saint Mary's 4-11 overall, 1-5 MIAA

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the first quarter, the Comets led by seven points twice. After the second time at 13-6, the Belles scored four straight points before a three-pointer by junior Kinsley Hatfield made the score 16-10 to begin the second quarter.
• Olivet began the second stanza on a 10-3 run to increase its lead to 13 points, 26-13. The Comets led by 13 points, 30-17, at the 4:36 mark. Saint Mary's battled back with an 8-0 run to trim its deficit down to five points. Connelly split two free throws to make the score 31-25 at halftime.
• The Belles closed the gap to three points, 34-31, early in the third quarter. Olivet pushed its lead back to seven points on two occasions. Following the second time at 43-36, the Belles made a layup to trail by five points to start the final quarter.
• The Comets extended their advantage to 10 points two times in the fourth quarter. After the second time at 53-43 with 5:56 remaining in the game, Saint Mary's scored seven consecutive points over the next four minutes to make the score 53-50.
• Sophomore Kaylee Bush went 1-of-2 at the free throw line with 59.4 seconds left to put Olivet ahead by four points, 54-50. The Belles answered with two free throws to make the score 54-52 with 40.6 ticks showing on the clock. The Comets turned the ball over. Two last-second shots for Saint Mary's were off the mark.

FOR THE COMETS

• Connelly made 3-of-6 baskets and 8-of-9 free throws for her 14 points. She also had five assists and four steals, while playing all 40 minutes.
• Sophomore Christina Malackanich also grabbed 13 rebounds.
• Senior Clara Shoales added four assists.

UP NEXT

• The Comets travel to play Calvin University Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.