Kalamazoo College Men Win at Buzzer
Update: 2-1-01 - League Reverses Again, Kalamazoo is the final 71-70 winner. - See Story
Update: 1-23-01 - League Reverses Outcome:
Olivet 70, Kalamazoo 69 - See Story

Kevin Baird's 15-foot jumper from the left baseline at the buzzer sealed the 71-70 win for Kalamazoo.

KALAMAZOO - In one of the craziest finishes ever at Anderson Athletic Center, the Kalamazoo College men's basketball team earned its first MIAA victory of the season with a 71-70 win over Olivet College.

Olivet took a 70-69 lead with eight seconds left on an Ajamian Gardner free throw. Kalamazoo's Dirk Rhinehart pushed the ball up court, and unable to get an open shot, dished to Kevin Baird on the left baseline. Baird's 15-footer released just before the buzzer sounded and swished through the net. The referee on the opposite corner of the court rushed in, whistle blowing and arms flailing, and called off the shot. The Olivet team went to the locker room to celebrate their presumed victory.

After several minutes of consultation among the officials, the referee who called off the shot went up into the stands to the video camera that had recorded the game. He attempted to view the replay through the viewfinder, but was unable to reach a conclusion. The official then took the video tape to an office away from the court for a better look. He returned almost 10 minutes later. The verdict was delayed even longer as the Olivet head coach had to be summoned from the locker room. At mid-court, the official declared to both coaches that the shot was off in time and that it would count. Game over: Kalamazoo 71, Olivet 70.

Kevin Baird led four Kalamazoo players in double figures with 12 points. Scott Montmorency had 11 points and eight rebounds. Nathan Burns finished with eight points. Doug Lepisto scored 10 points.

Olivet center Bruce Lawrence played the entire 40 minutes and finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Brian Johnson also had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Ajamian Gardner added 12 points and Jason Brecheisen had 10 points for the Comets.

Kalamazoo shot 45.6 percent from the field and 75.0 percent (12-16) at the free throw line. Olivet shot 35.8 percent from the field and 64.3 percent (27-42) at the line. Kalamazoo held a 41-34 rebounding advantage. The Hornets turned the ball over 24 times. Olivet had 18 turnovers. Kalamazoo dominated the inside as they outscored Olivet 26-10 in the paint.

Kalamazoo is now 6-12 overall (1-5 MIAA). Olivet falls to 7-8 overall (2-3 MIAA).

Game Statistics