Men’s Basketball Team Snaps Two-Game Losing Streak With a 87-69 Win Against Adrian

OLIVET, MI. -- The Olivet College men's basketball team overcame a 41-38 halftime deficit to defeat Adrian College, 87-69, tonight at the Upton Center.

After falling behind 28-17 with 8:17 left in the first half, the Fighting Comets (9-6, 1-1 MIAA) went on a 14-3 run over the next four minutes to tie the score at 31-31. The Bulldogs then closed the half with a 10-7 run to take a three-point lead at halftime.

Olivet outscored Adrian, 28-9, in the first seven minutes of the second half to take a 66-50 lead when freshman Steve Johnson (Detroit/Murray Wright High School) made a layup. The Bulldogs battled back and cut the deficit to 10 points. Olivet then extended its lead to 20 points on two occasions.

The Comets placed only two players in double figures; however, 13 different players scored at least two points. Senior forward Patrick Dermeyer (Chase/Reed City High School) led Olivet with 16 points and sophomore forward Ronnie Pearson (Holly High School) added 15 points.

"I felt that our defense was relentless in the second half," said sixth-year Head Coach Steve Hettinga '93. "Will Lee and Ronnie Pearson did a fantastic job defensively, and we received great contributions from everyone else."

Dan Walter scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Bulldogs (4-9, 0-3 MIAA). Steve Brooks added 21 points, which included five three-pointers.

Olivet will next be in action on Saturday, Jan. 18 when it travels to play Alma College at 3 p.m.