Men’s Basketball Team Defeats Marygrove, 98-77

OLIVET, MI. -- The Olivet College men's basketball team defeated Marygrove College, 98-77, tonight in a non-league game at the Upton Center. With the win, the Fighting Comets now have a 4-2 overall record. With the loss, the Mustangs' record drops to 3-7 overall.

In the first half, Olivet jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never trailed again in the game. The Comets stretched their lead to as many as 25 points with 44 seconds left in the half when sophomore forward Ronnie Pearson (Holly High School) made a pair of free throws. In the first 20 minutes, Olivet connected on 16-of-27 shots while the Mustangs made 10-of-37 shots.

The Comets continued their defense pressure in the second half and led by 35 points at 80-45 at the 9:09 mark when back-up center Derek Cox (Niles High School) made a layup.

"I am pleased with our performance tonight," said sixth-year Head Coach Steve Hettinga '93. "Everyone on the team had a chance to play, and they all contributed in some way towards the victory.

In the game, every Olivet player scored at least one point. Junior guard Matt Brawley (Niles High School) and senior forward Michael Dyson (Kalamazoo/ Loy Norrix High School) each scored 14 points to lead the Comets. Junior guard Travis Schellhammer (Grand Ledge High School) joined them in double figures with 13 points. Dyson and freshman forward De'Andre Pruitt (River Rouge High School) each grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

Dennis Foster scored a game-high 35 points to lead Marygrove. Rodney Credit grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds.

Olivet will resume play this Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7 when it travels to participate in the Spring Arbor University Holiday Classic. On Friday, the Comets will play against Marian (Ind.) College at 6 p.m.