Men’s basketball team falls to Grand Valley, 70-48

ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Olivet College men's basketball team fell to NCAA Division II foe Grand Valley State University, 70-48, tonight inside the GVSU Fieldhouse in Allendale.

The Lakers started the game with a 7-0 run. The Comets scored their first four points of the game on a pair of free throws by freshman Kevin Woodson (Lambertville/Monroe St. Mary Catholic) and junior Blake Krum (Schoolcraft). Grand Valley stretched its lead to 10 points, 14-4, with 10:38 left in the opening half.

Sophomore T.J. Vondette (Hemlcock) scored the first Olivet basket when he nailed a three-pointer to make the score 14-7 at the 9:40 mark. The Lakers made a three-pointer at halftime buzzer to gain their largest lead of the half, 30-12. In the second half, Grand Valley stretched its lead to 23 points, 38-15. The Comets were able to trim their deficit down to 14 points twice, with the last time being, 62-48, with three minutes left in the game. That would be the closest Olivet would get for the remainder of the game.

Despite the loss, Krum posted team-highs in points (16) and rebounds (nine) for Olivet. Woodson contributed 15 points. Junior Jordan Union (Jackson) dished out a team-leading five assists.

For the Lakers, Ricardo Carbajal led all scorers with 24 points. Ryan Sabin added 12 points, while Darren Washington had a double-double, 10 points and game-high 11 rebounds.

The Comets will play at Purdue University-Calumet (Ind.) Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.