Men’s basketball team falls to Baldwin Wallace, 94-79

BEREA, Ohio – Sophomore Blake Krum (Schoolcraft) scored a career-high 24 points but it was not enough as the Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Baldwin Wallace University, 94-79, tonight at the Rudolph Ursprung Gymnasium and inside the Lou Higgins Center in Berea, Ohio.

Other than a brief 1-0 deficit in the first minute of the game, the Yellow Jackets led from wire-to-wire. In the first half, BW built its lead to as many as 28 points, 41-13, at the 5:42 mark. The Comets trailed by 24 points, 55-31, at halftime.

Olivet started the first eight minutes of the second half with a 22-9 run to trim the Yellow Jacket lead down to 11 points, 64-53. The Comets trailed by 11 more points one more time before BW pushed its lead back to as many as 19 points.

For the game, Olivet shot 44 percent (30-of-68) from the floor to 60 percent (32-of-53) for the Yellow Jackets. BW also made seven more 3-pointers, 14-7, and four more free throws, 16-12. BW also held a 34-29 advantage in rebounding, but the Comets had an 11-5 edge in offensive rebounds and turned the ball over seven less times, 7-14.

Krum made 9-of-16 baskets, including two from behind the arc, and 4-of-4 free throws for his 24 points. He also led the team with six rebounds and three assists. Senior Matt El (Allegan) tied his season-high with 11 points.

Four Yellow Jackets reached double figures in the scoring column. Kevin Krakowiak led the way with 21, while Kyle Payne and Justin Roth each had 19. Grant Fairhurst scored 12, with four 3-pointers. Aaron Selmek topped the team with seven rebounds.

Olivet (4-6) is now off until after Christmas when it plays Marygrove College Friday, Dec. 28, at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Game time is 2 p.m.