Women’s basketball team falls in double overtime at Alma, 78-77

The Olivet College women's basketball team fell to Alma College, 78-77, in double overtime tonight at Cappaert Gym in Alma.

In the first half, the Comets had a pair of 10-point leads with the last time being 28-18 at the 6:52 mark. The Scots battled back and trailed by just two points, 33-31, at halftime.

In the second half, Olivet stretched its lead back out to 10 points twice, including 49-39, with 12:09 left in regulation. Like the first half, Alma fought back and eventually led by three points on two occasions. Senior Lauren Fishwick (Trenton) sent the game into overtime tied at 63-63 when she drained two free throws with five seconds left.

Olivet scored the first four points of the first extra period. A layup and three-pointer for Alma between a Comet layup made it a one-point game, 69-68. The Comets had a chance to make it a two-point game but missed a free throw. The Scots forced the second extra period with a free throw.

Olivet tallied the first basket in the second overtime, but that lead was short after Alma knocked down a three-pointer. The Comets came back and took a three-point lead, 77-74. The Scots scored the final four points of the half, including the game-winning free throw with 19 seconds remaining.

Senior Emily Brown (Muskegon/Mona Shores) had first double-double at Olivet with career-highs in points (24) and rebounds (12). Junior Gabe Federau (Okemos) also posted a double-double, 13 points and 17 rebounds. Fishwick scored 21 points, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line.

All five Alma starters reached double figures. Heather Keenan led the way with 20, followed by Meagan Hoblet with 15 and Sydney Beckwith, Lacey Best-Rowden and Kathryn Bigelow all with 11. Hoblet grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.

Olivet will return to action Saturday when it hosts MIAA-rival Albion College at 3 p.m.