Campbell's double-double not enough in 65-62 loss to Albion

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College women's basketball team came up just short to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Albion College, 65-62, this afternoon at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

In the first half, the Comets led by as many as five points twice, with the last time being 15-10. The Britons came back with a 7-0 run to take a 2-point lead, 17-15, at the 5:15 mark. Over the next three minutes, Olivet made three baskets while Albion made six foul shots.

The Comets went ahead by three, 24-21, on a three-pointer by junior Mellissa Bageris (Milford) with 2:16 remaining in the first half. The Britons scored the final six points of the half to take a 27-24 into the intermission.

Albion scored the first basket of the second half for either team's largest lead of the game, 29-24. Olivet battled back and took a 3-point lead, 36-33, at the 14:19 mark. The Britons came back with a 12-4 run to regain a 5-point lead. The Comets did not give up a regained the lead, 46-45, on back-to-back 3-pointers by Bageris and sophomore Kelsey Campbell (Olivet).

There were two more tied scores before Olivet took its final lead of the game, 52-51, with 7:30 remaining in the game when Campbell knocked down a 3-pointer. After the 11th tied score, 54-54, the Britons got two quick baskets and did not relinquish their lead. The Comets closed to within one point, 63-62. With the ball, they missed a shot and were forced foul. Nicole Dennis canned two foul shots to create the final margin.

For the game, Olivet made four more baskets (27-23) and four more 3-pointers (6-2) than the Britons. Olivet also shot better, 48.2 percent (27-of-56) to 45.1 percent (23-of-51). The difference in the game was Albion went 17-of-22 from the free throw line, while the Comets made one trip to the charity stripe and made their only two free throws.

Campbell is believed to be the first women's basketball player in school history to record a points-assists double-double with 10 points and 12 assists. Junior Brittany Brown (Inkster/John Glenn) joined her in double figures with a game-high 14 points. Junior Kaleigh Hill (Niles) was 5-of-5 from the floor for 10 points. Junior SoQuitta DeShazor (Flint/Hamady) grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

For Albion, Patty Rewa scored a team-leading 13 points. Tanner Johnson and Brett de Bear finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Johnson and Rewa pulled down five rebounds apiece.

Olivet returns to the court next Wednesday, Jan. 18, when it plays at Alma College. Game time is 6 p.m.