Men's basketball team rallies to beat Adrian, 57-55

The Olivet College men's basketball team rallied from 14 points down in the first half to beat Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) foe Adrian College, 57-55, tonight at the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center in Adrian. With the win, the Comets (5-10, 1-3 MIAA) snap a six-game losing streak.

The Bulldogs (6-9, 0-4 MIAA) grabbed a 14-point lead twice with the last time being 25-11 with 8:41 left. Olivet battled back to make the score 28-19 at halftime. In the second half, the Comets closed to within three points, 28-25, when senior Robert Banks (Detroit/Benedictine) made a free throw to complete a three-point play.

The Bulldogs extended their lead back out to nine points on five occasions, including 47-38 with 8:17 left in regulation. Olivet took the lead for good, 53-52, when senior Derek Kurtz (Hillsdale/Jonesville) made two free throws at the 1:15 mark. After the teams traded three-pointers, a free throw by Banks with five seconds left provided the final margin of victory.

Senior Gerald Dozie (Detroit/Southeastern), who posted his eighth double-double of the season, led the Comets with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kurtz also scored 12 points.

For Adrian, Mike Reinhard tallied 15 points with four three-pointers. Andy Kubish added 12 points, while Steve Thornton contributed 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Olivet is back in action Wednesday, Jan. 18, when it travels to play Calvin College at 8 p.m.