Men's basketball team falls to Calvin, 81-59

The Olivet College men's basketball team dropped an 81-59 decision against Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) foe Calvin College this evening at the Upton Center.

After a 6-6 tie at the 15:40 mark, the Knights (14-8, 7-3 MIAA) went on a 6-0 run to take their biggest lead of the first half. The Fighting Comets (10-12, 4-6 MIAA) fought back to knot the score twice, including 20-20 with 8:32 left. Following the 20-20 tie, Olivet went on an 8-2 run to lead by six points with just under five minutes. Calvin scored the final six points of the half to take a 30-28 lead into the break.

The Knights put the game out of reach in the second by shooting 62.1 percent from the floor and outscoring the Comets, 51-31. Their biggest lead was 26 points, 81-55, with 55 seconds left.

Sophomore forward De'Andre Pruitt (River Rouge High School) led Olivet with 13 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Junior guard Richard Britton (Olivet High School) provided a spark off the bench with 11 points.

Olivet will travel to play MIAA leader Hope College on Saturday, Feb. 14. Tip-off from the Holland Civic Center is 3 p.m.

Dan Aultman led the four Knights in double figures with 15 points, followed by Chris Prins with 12, Ricky Shilts with 11 and Kyle Trewhella with 10. Ryan Smalligan was credited with a game-high eight rebounds.