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The University of Olivet

MIAA CHAMPS!!! UOlivet defeats Trine, 84-80, for first outright title since 1972 and sixth in program history

Box Score
MIAA CHAMPS!!! UOlivet defeats Trine, 84-80, for first outright title since 1972 and sixth in program history
February 21, 2026

OLIVET, Mich. – The University of Olivet men's basketball team defeated Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Trine (Ind.) University, 84-80, today at the MTI Center. With the win and Calvin University's win over Hope College, the Comets are the 2026 MIAA Champions! It's the Comets' first outright league title since 1972 and the seventh in program history.

THE BASICS

  • Final Score: Olivet 84, Trine 80
  • Location: MTI Center; Angola, Indiana
  • Records: Olivet 15-10 overall, 12-2 MIAA; Trine 18-7 overall, 10-4 MIAA

HOW IT HAPPENED

  • The Comets gained a five-point lead, 18-13, at the 11:31 mark of the first half. The Thunder responded with a 16-2 run over the next five minutes to lead by nine points, 29-20. Olivet fought back and eventually tied the game, 35-35. The Comets outscored Trine, 8-4, over the final two minutes and 25 seconds of the half to take 43-39, at the intermission.
  • Olivet took its first double digit lead of the game, 60-50, with 12:46 left. The Comets led one more time by 10 points, 64-54, before Trine scored eight straight points. Olivet pushed its lead back to eight points twice. The Thunder closed the gap to two points.
  • After the Comets missed the front end of one-and-one chance at the free throw line, Trine grabbed the rebound. The Thunder turned the ball over, with a steal by freshman Sean Shenker with six seconds left. Shenker calmly drained two free throws to make the score 82-78. A Trine basket made the score 82-80 before Shenker canned two free throws for the final points.

FOR THE COMETS

  • Four players scored in double figures, led by junior Nathan Richardson's 19. He also had five assists.
  • Shenker added 15 points.
  • Sophomore Sam Howard provided the spark off the bench with 13 points.
  • Sophomore Porter Kretschman recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

  • The Comets' previous MIAA championships were in 1913, 1932, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 2018. The 1913, 1932 and 1972 titles were outright. The others were shared with Calvin or Hope.

COACH'S QUOTE

"After our non-conference season ended, even though we were 3-8, we saw the potential of what we could become," said Olivet head coach Sam Hargraves. "We played some very good teams in our non-conference to prepare us for the type of battle we had to go through today, and throughout the MIAA regular season.

"We weren't sure if we could mature enough to win the regular season title this year, but we got it done. I couldn't be prouder of these guys.  I'm thankful for the guys who contributed to building this program in our first four years, and then these juniors and seniors I can't say enough. They stuck with it, stayed positive, went through a 3-11 season two years ago.

"Guys could have jumped ship and decided it was too hard here. Instead, everyone continued to believe in the vision, and we were fortunate enough to attract more of the right kind of people. We have truly built a family.

"Of course, the job is not done. The way the back end of the conference schedule played out was incredible, and this MIAA tournament has the potential to be one for the ages. I have been paying attention to the MIAA since 1993, and I don't remember a time when 4-5 teams were so competitive at the top.  

"Anyone who is a fan of competitive college basketball should get to Cutler next weekend, you won't be disappointed."

UP NEXT

  • The Comets will host the 2026 MIAA Tournament presented by Collegiate Credit Union next Friday and Saturday, February 27-28. Official pairings for the tournament will be announced later this evening.