Woodson’s layup in final seconds lifts men’s basketball team to 103-102 win

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Freshman Kevin Woodson (Lambertville/Monroe St. Mary Catholic) made a layup with 11 seconds left to lift the Olivet College to a 103-102 win over Lawrence Technological University in a non-conference men's basketball game tonight at the Don Ridler Field House in Southfield.

Woodson was one of three Comets to score more than 20 points, as he had 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor, including five three-pointers. Sophomore T.J. Vondette (Hemlock) led all Comets with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Junior Blake Krum (Schoolcraft) contributed 22 points, with four treys. Freshman Tommy Cerven (Decatur) and junior Jordan Union (Jackson) each had 12 points. Krum grabbed a team-leading six rebounds, while Union led all players with eight assists.

The Blue Devils raced out to a 10-point lead, 36-26, in the first 10 minutes and 12 seconds of the game. Olivet responded with a 16-5 run to take its first lead since the early stages of the game, 42-41, with 5:34 left before halftime.

After Lawrence Tech took the lead back on a pair of free throws, the Comets scored 10 of the next 12 points to take their largest lead of the game, 52-45.

The Blue Devils fought back to tie the game at 56-56 at the 1:27 mark of the opening half. Olivet out-scored them 6-4 in the final 1:27 to take a 62-60 lead into the locker rooms.

Lawrence Tech opened the second half with a 9-0 scoring spurt to take a 69-62 advantage. The Comets answered with their own 10-0 run for a 72-69 lead. The teams traded baskets before the Blue Devils gained a seven-point lead 89-82. They held that lead until there was two minutes left when Union's layup put Olivet ahead by one, 97-96.

Lawrence Tech took the lead back, 99-96, on a three-pointer. Krum responded with his own triple and sophomore Eddie Jones (Saginaw/Carrollton) made a free throw for a 101-99 Comet lead. With 19 seconds left, Jake Mullin completed a three-point play with a free throw to help the Blue Devils take a 102-101 lead.

Woodson then made the game-winning basket with 11 seconds remaining. Lawrence Tech was not able to get off a shot in the final seconds of the game, as Jon Harden turned the ball over.

For the game, Olivet shot a season-best 54.7 percent (41-of-75). They also had single-game, season-highs in three-pointers made (15) and assists (21).

Mullin led the Blue Devils and all players with 28 points. Brad Watterworth and Harden finished with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Harden and Thomas Hoff pulled down seven rebounds apiece.

The Comets travel to Marian, Ind., to play Indiana Wesleyan University Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.