Men’s basketball team falls to Calvin, 95-53

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) co-leader Calvin College, 95-53, this afternoon at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

The Knights scored the first six points of the game before the Comets battled back to force an 8-8 deadlock. Calvin made the next basket and never trailed for rest of the game. In the first half, the Knights led by as many as 11 points on four occasions and then led by 10, 36-26, at the break. The 42-point margin at the end of the game was Calvin's biggest lead of the game.

Ironically, the Comets made 10-of-34 baskets in each half for a 20-of-68 shooting performance (29.4 percent). After shooting 45.2 percent (14-of-31) in the first half, the Knights warmed up to 61.8 percent (21-of-34) in the second half for 53.8 percent (35-of-65) in the game. Calvin also out-rebounded Olivet, 55-29.

Fourteen players found their way onto the floor for Olivet Head Coach Chris Coles, and 12 found the scoring column. Freshman Robert Shields (St. Clair Shores/Lakeview) and sophomore T.J. Vondette (Hemlock) each scored nine points. Freshman Kevin Woodson (Lambertville/Monroe St. Mary Catholic) was next with seven. Vondette pulled down a team-leading eight rebounds.

Mickey DeVries was one of three Knights in double figures, leading all players with 21 points. Tyler Kruis and Jordan Brink finished with 15 and 13 points, respectively. DeVries grabbed nine rebounds.

The Comets will play the final game of the first half of their MIAA schedule next Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Trine (Ind.) University. Tip-off from Hershey Hall is 7:30 p.m.