Men's basketball team loses to Wittenberg, 73-72, in consolation game of John Collier Tournament

The Olivet College men's basketball team dropped a 73-72 decision to Wittenberg University of Ohio this afternoon in the consolation game of the Hanover College/11th-Annual John R. Collier Tournament. Olivet senior guard Matt Brawley (Niles High School) was selected to the all-tournament team.

After Wittenberg took a 9-8 lead, the Fighting Comets went on a 9-0 run to take their biggest lead of the first half at the 12:18 mark. The Tigers responded with their own 15-0 run to lead by seven with 7:32 remaining. Olivet battled back and sophomore forward De'Andre Pruitt (River Rouge High School) tied the score at 36-36 with a three-pointer and two layups in the closing 90 seconds of the half.

The Comets opened the second half with a 5-0 run courtesy of a three-pointer and layup by Pruitt. Wittenberg answered the Olivet run and took a seven point lead at the 11:21 mark. Olivet stormed back to lead 55-54, and the Tigers again responded to take a 70-65 lead with 4:23 left.

The Comets cut the deficit to one point on a pair of free throws by senior point guard Travis Schellhammer (Grand Ledge High School) with 1:42 left. Following two missed free throws by Wittenberg, junior Thad Mitchner (Flint/Central High School) made a jump shot for a 72-71 Olivet lead. The Tigers nailed the game-winning basket with eight seconds left. A three-point attempt at the buzzer fell short for the Comets.

Pruitt led three Comet players in double figures with 19 points. Brawley contributed 16 points, and sophomore center Derek Cox (Niles High School) chipped in with 10. Cox grabbed a game-high eight rebounds. Schellhammer was credited with a team-best six assists.

Olivet is next in action on Tuesday, Dec. 2, when it hosts Madonna University in its home opener at the Upton Center at 7 p.m. On Thursday, Dec. 4, the Comets will play Andrews University at Niles High School at 7:30 p.m.