Men's basketball team routs Spring Arbor, 83-49

Senior guard Will Lee (Lansing Everett) came off the bench to score a game-high 23 points as the men's basketball team defeated Spring Arbor University, 83-49, this afternoon in its home opener at the Upton Center in Olivet.

For the game, the Fighting Comets (5-5) shot a sizzling 62.3 percent (33-of-53) from the floor, including an even hotter 71.4 percent (20-of-28) in the second half. The Cougars (11-6) made eight-of-28 second half baskets. Olivet also outrebounded Spring Arbor, 39-27, with a 33-16 advantage off the defensive glass.

After the first 4:57 of the first half, the Cougars had a 7-2 lead. Lee then nailed five consecutive three-pointers to give the Comets a 17-12 lead with 10:19 left. Olivet led by as many 13 points in the first half.

The Comets scored the first 12 points of the second half to take a 25-point lead, 51-26. Spring Arbor did not make its first basket until the 12:40 mark. Olivet's biggest lead of the game was 38 points with 1:17 remaining in the game.

Lee connected on eight-of-11 shots, including five-of-seven from behind the arc, and two-of-two from the free throw line for his 23 points. He also tallied three rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes of action. Senior forward Ronnie Pearson (Holly) and junior center Gerald Dozie (Detroit/Southeastern) contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively. Sophomore Jerame File (Jackson/Hanover-Horton) chipped in with nine points in his first game at Olivet.

Junior guard De'Andre Pruitt (River Rouge) grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. Junior forward Steve Johnson (Detroit/Murray Wright) had six rebounds, followed by Pearson with five. Pruitt blocked three shots.

The Comets will next play Dec. 30 when it hosts Cornerstone University in the second game of a women's/men's basketball doubleheader. The Lady Comets will play Juniata (Pa.) College at 3 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7:30 p.m.