Men's basketball team falls to Adrian, 77-65, in first round of MIAA Tournament

The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Adrian College, 77-65, tonight in the first round of the 2005 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Tournament at the Merillat Sports and Fitness Center in Adrian. The Fighting Comets finish their season with an 11-15 overall record.

Olivet's only lead of the first half was 9-8 at the 11:29 mark. After the Bulldogs (15-10) answered with a basket to take a 10-9 lead, they did not relinquish it for the rest of the half. Adrian led 34-21 at halftime.

In the second half, the Comets cut their deficit down to five points, 44-39, with 12:58 left on a three-pointer by junior De'Andre Pruitt (River Rouge). The Bulldogs then went on a 7-0 run to their lead back out to double digits. Olivet was not able to get the deficit back under 10 points as Adrian led by as many as 18 points twice.

Pruitt was the lone Comet in double figures with 12 points. Senior Ronnie Pearson (Holly) chipped in with nine points and a team-high six rebounds. Freshman Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac/Union) also scored nine points.

Adam Novak tallied 21 points and eight rebounds to lead the Bulldogs. Billy Collins, Jr. and Brian Schaefer added 17 and 12 points, respectively. Steve Thornton pulled down a game-high nine rebounds.

Adrian advances to MIAA Tournament semifinals Friday night at #1 seed Albion College, 111-88 winners over Tri-State (Ind.) University.