Small’s 26 points lead men’s basketball team to 69-60 win over Purdue Calumet

OLIVET, Mich. – Senior Garner Small (Schoolcraft) scored a game-high 26 points to lead the Olivet College men's basketball team to a 69-60 win over Purdue University Calumet (Ind.) today in its home-opener at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

Small was one of three Comets to reach double figures in the scoring column. Sophomore Blake Krum (Schoolcraft) scored a career-best 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor, including two 3-pointers. Senior Dakotah Ellis (Birch Run) added 10 points. Freshman T.J. Vondette (Hemlock) came off the bench to grab a game-high 11 rebounds, including seven off the offensive glass. He also scored eight points.

Olivet raced out to a 13-4 lead after making five of its first six shots. The Peregrines answered with a 10-0 run to take their first lead, 14-13. The Comets responded with a 6-0 scoring spurt to take the lead back and did not give it up for the rest of the half. At the break, Olivet had a 31-28 lead.

Purdue Calumet tied the game twice with the last time being 38-38 at the 16:08 mark of the second half. The Comets responded with a 5-0 run and never trailed for the rest of the game, building their lead to as many as 14 points with 5:05 left after Small made his fourth 3-point basket of the game.

 The Peregrines placed three players in double figures, led by Aaron Davis' 12. Warren Gordon and Martel Jackson each scored 11. Kedric Williams grabbed a team-leading nine rebounds.

After playing five games in eight games, Olivet will be off until Tuesday, Dec. 4 when it plays a 7 p.m. game at Spring Arbor University.