Men's basketball team loses to Spring Arbor, 70-66, in championship game of Gary Morrison Tip-Off Tournament

The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to Spring Arbor University, 70-66, tonight in the championship game of the Gary Morrison Tip-Off Tournament at the Upton Center in Olivet. For their efforts, seniors Gerald Dozie (Detroit/Southeastern) and Steve Johnson (Detroit/Murray Wright) were named to the all-tournament team.

The Cougars (7-0) led by six points, 11-5, at the 14:55 mark of the first half. The Comets (1-1) went on an 8-2 run to tie the game, 13-13. Following another tie, Spring Arbor took a five-point lead on two more occasions. Dozie hit a jumper to force a 25-25 tie and two more baskets gave the Comets the lead, 29-25, at halftime.

In the second half, Olivet extended its lead to as many as nine points, 44-35, when junior Ricardo Horton (Indianapolis, Ind./Arlington) nailed a three-pointer with 13 minutes left. Spring Arbor answered with a 14-4 lead to take a one-point lead, 49-48. Over the next seven minutes, 15 seconds, there would five tied scores. The last time was 60-60 at the 2:42 mark. The Cougars grabbed the lead for good with a layup and sealed the win with eight-of-10 shooting from the free throw line in the final two minutes.

For the game, the Comets made 29-of-53 field goals. Dozie posted a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds. Johnson also scored 17 points on eight-of-11 shooting from the floor.

Micah Lancaster, who was selected as the tournament's MVP, tallied a game-high 28 points for Spring Arbor. Jerame File and Scott Parrish contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively. Parrish grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.

Olivet is back in action Tuesday, Nov. 22, when it travels for an 8 p.m. game against Saginaw Valley State University.