Men's basketball team defeats Madonna, 75-63, in consolation game of Defiance P & G Financial Tournament

The men's basketball team defeated Madonna University, 75-63, this evening in the consolation contest of the Defiance (Ohio) College Purple & Gold Financial Tournament. With the win, the Fighting Comets (3-4) snap a four-game losing skid.

The Crusaders led by seven points twice in the first half with the last time being 30-23 at the 3:47 mark. A layup by junior Steve Johnson (Detroit/Murray Wright) and two free throws by freshman Antonio Higginbotham (Detroit Southeastern) cut the Olivet deficit to three points. Senior Ronnie Pearson (Holly) gave the Comets a 31-30 lead on back-to-back steals and layups. A third steal and pass to junior Greg Ravy (New Orleans, La./L.B. Landry) for a layup extended Olivet's lead to three points with 1:05 left before halftime. The Comets held a 33-32 lead at the break.

In the first six minutes of the second half, Olivet outscored Madonna, 23-8, for its biggest lead of the game, 56-40. The closest the Crusaders would get was seven points at 68-61 with 3:19 remaining.

Twelve Comets scored at least two points with junior De'Andre Pruitt (River Rouge) scoring a team-high 16 points. For his efforts, he was named to the all-tournament team. Junior Robert Banks (Detroit Benedictine) had 10 points in his first start at Olivet. Pruitt and Ravy grabbed six rebounds apiece. For his efforts, Pruitt was selected to the all-tournament team.

Noel Emenhiser topped Madonna with a game-high 22 points and nine rebounds. Joe Kofahl had 14 points.

Olivet will next compete at the Spring Arbor University Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10-11. The Comets open play against Siena Heights Friday evening at 6 p.m.