Men’s basketball team drops 80-76 decision to Lynchburg in consolation game of Marietta Shrine Tournament

Freshman Andy Sierminski (Jackson/Lumen Christi) scored a career-high 21 points as the Olivet College men's basketball team dropped an 8-76 decision to Lynchburg (Va.) College today in the consolation game of the 36th Annual Marietta (Ohio) College Shrine Tournament. For his efforts, junior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) was named to the all-tournament team.

After Lynchburg scored the first seven points of the game, the Comets (2-8) went on 15-2 scoring spree to take a six-point lead at the 13:32 mark. Olivet led for the next 11 minutes until the Hornets' Peter Vasiliou made a basket to put them ahead, 30-29. They also held a 34-33 lead at halftime.

Olivet opened the second half with a 10-4 run to take a 43-38 lead. Lynchburg came back with five straight points to tie the game at 43-43 with 15:17 left in the game. Following several ties and lead changes, the Hornets took a 62-61 lead, and never relinquished it for the rest of the game. Lynchburg sealed the victory by making nine free throws in the final 1:53.

Sierminski made six-of-10 baskets, including four three-pointers, and five-of-eight free throws for his 21 points. Freshman Bryan Dutton (Napoleon) came off the bench to score 11 points and grab a team-high seven rebounds. Cooper (Dowagiac) also tallied 11 points.

Vasiliou topped the Hornets with 24 points and nine rebounds.

The Comets are back in action Wednesday, Jan. 3, when they host Alma College to open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play. Tip-off from the Upton Center is 7:30 p.m.