Men's Basketball Season Ends at Olivet

Olivet used a 19-0 run late in the first half to take a 47-22 lead, and eventually led 47-28 at halftime. The Comets increased their lead to 26 (59-33) early in the second half. Kalamazoo would cut the deficit to nine (80-71) with just under three minutes to play, but Olivet held on for the first-round victory.

Olivet shot a blistering 54.7 percent from the field, including 50.0 percent (7-14) from 3-point range. Kalamazoo shot just 37.7 percent from the field, including 33.3 percent (10-30) from behind the arc. 

Dirk Rhinehart led Kalamazoo with 21 points. Nathan Burns and Scott Montmorency each scored 11 points. Shawn Kidd scored a career-high nine points. Chris Elliot and Kevin Baird shared team-high honors with six rebounds apiece.

Ajamian Gardner led Olivet with 23 points and seven rebounds, including 12-of-15 free throws. Bruce Lawrence added 19 points and 16 rebounds. James Johnson and John Coleman each scored 11 points.

Olivet held a slight rebounding edge, 41-40. The Comets committed three more (22-19) turnovers than the Hornets.

This was the first meeting between the two schools in MIAA tournament competition.

Kalamazoo finishes the season 9-16. The Hornets have no seniors on this year's squad and have reason to be optimistic about the future.

Game Statistics