Men’s basketball: Comets upended by Alma, 75-57

OLIVET, Mich. – Olivet College dropped a 75-57 decision Alma College in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) men's basketball action this afternoon inside The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

In the first half, the Scots led by as many as 18 points, 28-10, at the 8:20 mark. The Comets fought back and were down by only 11 points, 35-24, with 1:51 left before halftime. Alma scored seven of the last nine points of the opening 20 minutes of play to take a 42-26 advantage at the break.

Olivet got no closer than its 11-point deficit in the first half. The Scots built their lead to 25 points on two occasions with 8:02 and 6:41 remaining in the contest. In the final minute, the Comets trailed by 16 points, 73-57.

Fourteen different Olivet players saw action in the game, and 10 scored at least two points. Senior DeOndre Callahan led the way with 10 points, including a perfect 8-of-8 shooting from the free throw line. Sophomore Eric Ewing contributed eight points. Freshman Jake Zielinski had seven points, while freshman Nick Pepin and sophomore Aaron Washington each scored six.

Three Alma players reached double figures in the scoring column, led by Doug Bradfield's game-high 14 points. Chase Fairchild and Scott Nikodemski chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. D.J. Beckman grabbed a game-best seven rebounds.

The Comets visit Hope College next Wednesday, Feb. 11, for a 7:30 p.m. MIAA contest.