Men's basketball team falls to Kalamazoo, 84-52

The men's basketball team fell to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) foe Kalamazoo College, 84-52, this afternoon at the Upton Center in Olivet.

The Fighting Comets (6-7, 0-2 MIAA) held an early 7-4 lead after the first two minutes, 28 seconds. The Hornets (5-7, 1-1 MIAA) battled back for two six-point leads, 18-12 and 21-15. Olivet then forced a 24-24 tie.

Senior McKinsey Golfin (Flint/Central) made a free throw to give the Comets a 25-24 lead at the 5:54 mark of the opening half. Kalamazoo closed the half with a 15-0 run to take a 40-25 lead into the locker rooms.

In the second half, the Hornets led by as many as 36 points on three occasions. The closest that Olivet would get was 15 points after junior Andy Storey (Battle Creek/Harper Creek) converted a lay-up.

For the game, Kalamazoo shot 54.4 percent (31-of-57) from the floor while the Comets made just 14-of-50 (28.0 percent) shots. Junior Derek Kurtz (Hillsdale/Jonesville) was the lone Olivet player in double figures with 12 points. Golfin chipped in with nine points. He and senior Ronnie Pearson (Holly) grabbed a team-high five rebounds apiece.

Ryan Konwinski led the way for the Hornets with 23 points and nine rebounds. Tony Wichmann contributed 19 points and eight rebounds.

The Comets will travel to play Alma College Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m.