Women's basketball team opens MIAA play with 89-56 win against Tri-State

The Olivet College women's basketball team used a balanced scoring attack to beat Tri-State (Ind.) University, 89-56, today at the Upton Center in Olivet. This game was the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) opener for both schools.

Senior Audrey Graham (Battle Creek/Lakeview) led the Comets (3-3, 1-0 MIAA) with a game-high 23 points. Senior Callie Reed (Howell) scored a career-high 17 points, while senior Amanda Johnston (Mt. Morris/Genesee) contributed 12 points.

Olivet scored the first two points of the game and never looked back. The Comets led by as many as 26 points twice during the first half with the last time being 48-22 at halftime. In the second half, Olivet built its lead to 35 points with 4:09 remaining.

For the game, the Comets shot 55.7 percent (34-of-61) from the floor, including 60 percent (18-of-30) in the first half. Tri-State (1-4, 0-1 MIAA) made 17-of-65 (26.2 percent) baskets. Olivet also out-rebounded the Thunder, 47-30.

Graham scored her 23 points on eight field goals and seven free throws. Reed was seven-of-11 from the floor. Johnston was nearly perfect, making four-of-five goals and four-of-four free throws. Graham and junior Amy Brackenwagen (Grand Ledge) each grabbed seven rebounds. Brakenwagen dished out six assists.

Sarah Howe was the only Tri-State player in double figures with 12 points.

The Comets are now idle until Wednesday, Dec. 13, when they travel to play Kalamazoo College at 7:30 p.m.