Women's basketball team defeats Alma, 76-72

The Olivet College women's basketball team made a season-high 14 three-pointers en route to a 76-72 victory against Alma College this afternoon at the Upton Center in Olivet.

Amy Brackenwagen (Grand Ledge), Callie Reed (Howell) and Kenzie Steward (Alma) each made three triples, while Kelsey Gordon (Vandalia/Cassopolis) and Audrey Graham (Battle Creek/Lakeview) hit two three-pointers a piece. Stephanie Smith (Waldron/Camden Frontier) made one.

For the game, Brackenwagen finished with 17 points and came one assist shy of tying her single-game career high with eight assists. Jaime Kowalczyk (Wyandotte/Roosevelt) posted her second double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Reed and Gordon each scored 10 points.

Alma (10-11, 6-8 MIAA) led by as many as nine points, 31-22, with 3:42 left before halftime. Olivet (11-10, 8-6 MIAA) closed the half with a 15-4 run to take a two-point lead, 37-35, into the locker rooms.

In the second half, the Scots appeared to take control of the game as they took a 63-55 lead at the 7:32 mark. Like the first half, the Comets responded with a 11-2 run to take a 66-65 lead. The run was highlighted by Reed hitting two key three-pointers, including one that turned into a five-point play with the help of two free throws by senior Courtney Ivan (Belleville). Ivan was foulded shortly after Reed released the ball. The Comets sealed their win by making 10-of-12 free throws in the final 3:17 of the game.

For Alma, Heather Keenan led all scorers with 23 points. Megan Hoblet added 20 points and a team-high eight rebounds. The Scots made seven more baskets than Olivet, but only three were from behind the arc.

The Comets will return to the court Wednesday, Feb. 14, when they travel to play MIAA leader Calvin College at 7:30 p.m.