Men's basketball team defeats Andrews, 75-62

Eric McCoy (Charlotte) and Brandon Way (Detroit/ Southwestern) each scored a career-high 17 points to lead the Olivet College men's basketball team to a 75-62 win against Andrews University today in the third game of the Gary Morrison Tip-off Tournament at the Upton Center in Olivet.

McCoy shot eight-of-nine from the floor and one-of-one from the free throw line for his 17 points, while Way connected on five-of-nine shots, including three 3-pointers, and four-of-four free throws for his 17 points. Joining them in double figures was junior Jeff Cooper (Dowagiac) with 16 points. He made four 3-point baskets to go along with handing out a game-high seven assists. Freshman Andy Sierminski (Jackson/ Lumen Christi) grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

In the first half, the Comets (1-1) led by as many as seven points, 14-7, at the 14:55 mark. Andrews (1-5) battled back with a 19-6 run to take a six-point lead with 8:39 remaining. Olivet took the lead for good, 40-37, on a three-pointer by Cooper at the 1:34 mark. McCoy grabbed an offensive rebound and made a basket to put the Comets up by five points, 42-37, at the break.

Over the first 6 ½ minutes of the second half, Olivet stretched its lead to 12 points on four occasions. The Cardinals cut their deficit down to three points, 63-60, with 5:18 left in the game. From that point, the Comets closed the game on a 12-2 run.

Sean Thorne led Andrews with a game-high 23 points. Matthew Ancel added 18 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Olivet returns to court Tuesday, Nov. 21, when it hosts NCAA Division II foe Saginaw Valley State University at 7:30 p.m.