Women's basketball team squeaks past Spring Arbor, 78-73

The Olivet College women's basketball team won its third straight game with a 78-73 victory over non-conference foe Spring Arbor University this afternoon at the Upton Center in Olivet.

The Comets (5-2) had a 10-point lead twice in the first half with the last time being 43-33 at halftime. To start the second half, the Cougars (1-12) used a 17-5 run to take a 50-48 lead. Following a 58-58 tie, Olivet took the lead for good on a pair of free throws by junior Jen O'Neil (Auburn Hills/Avondale). Olivet's biggest lead in the final eight minutes, 34 seconds, was seven points.

For the game, junior Audrey Graham (Battle Creek/Lakeview) paced the Comets with 17 points. O'Neil scored 16 points and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds. Juniors Deidre Deering (Cass City) and Callie Reed (Howell) provided a spark off the bench with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Four Spring Arbor starters reached double figures. Kara Buehrer and Jenna Sharp led the way 14 each, followed by Megan Razavi (13) and Mandy Phillips (12). Razavi also pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.

The Comets resume Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Wednesday, Dec. 14, when it hosts Kalamazoo College at 7:30 p.m.