Men's basketball team loses to Westminster, 80-67, in opening round of Shrine Tournament

The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Westminster (Pa.) College, 80-67, this evening in the opening round of the 36th Annual Marietta (Ohio) College Shrine Tournament. The Comets will play in the consolation game tomorrow at 2 p.m.

In the first half, Olivet led by five points, 8-3, at the 16:42 mark when junior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) made a free throw to complete a three-point play. The Titans came back with a 5-0 run to tie the game. After the last tied score at 16-16, Westminster went on a 19-6 run to take its largest lead of the half, 35-22. After the Comets cut their deficit to five points, 38-33, with 2:43 left in the half, the Titans scored the final seven points of the half to take a 45-33 lead into the locker rooms.

Westminster stretched its lead to 19 points early in the second half. Olivet fought back and closed to within seven points, 69-62, with 4:09 remaining in the game.

Cooper scored 15 points to lead the Comets. Off the bench, freshman Joel Kerns (North Judson, Ind.) contributed 11 points, while junior Brandon Way (Detroit/ Southwestern) had 10 points. Cooper and Way shared team-high honors with six rebounds a piece.

For Westminster, Dom Joseph had 19 points. Ryne Murray posted a double-double, 17 points and game-high 10 rebounds.

After tomorrow's game, Olivet will host Alma College Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The game will be the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener for both teams.