Men’s basketball team loses to Siena Heights, 85-76, in first round of Jamieson-Allen Shootout

The men's basketball team dropped an 85-76 decision to Siena Heights University tonight in the first round of the Spring Arbor University (SAU) Jamieson-Allen Shootout. The Fighting Comets (3-5) will play Wilberforce (Ohio) University in the consolation contest tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. Wilberforce was defeated by Spring Arbor, 73-68, in the other first round game.

Leading the way for Olivet was junior guard De'Andre Pruitt (River Rouge), who had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Junior center Gerald Dozie (Detroit/Southeastern) also had a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Ronnie Pearson (Holly) joined them in double figures with 12 points.

Siena Heights (9-2) placed four starters in double digits with Perry Gilbert scoring a game-high 23 points. Greg McPherson tallied 16 points and 11 rebounds. Llyod Cowles and Andre Johnson had 15 and 11 points, respectively.

The story of the game was turnovers and free throw shooting. The Comets turned the ball over 26 times while the Saints had 17 turnovers. At the free throw line, Olivet made 12-of-28 shots while Siena Heights converted 24-of-36 attempts.

Following tomorrow's game, the Comets will be idle until Monday, Dec. 20, when they host Spring Arbor University for their 2004-05 home opener. Tip-off from the Upton Center is scheduled for 5 p.m.