Women's basketball team lets 11-point lead slip away in 83-77 loss to Tri-State

The Olivet College women's basketball team let an 11-point halftime lead slip away in an 83-77 loss to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Tri-State (Ind.) University this afternoon at the Upton Center in Olivet.

Following a 16-16 tie with 8:49 left in the first half, the Comets (8-12, 6-6 MIAA) went on an 18-6 run to build a 34-22 lead. The run was highlighted by four three-pointers, including two from junior Sarah Mangold (Sterling Heights/Bishop Foley). Olivet settled for an 11-point, 39-28, lead at halftime.

In the first five minutes, the Thunder (6-15, 3-10 MIAA) went on a 21-3 scoring spurt to take a seven-point lead. Tri-State did not relinquish its lead for the rest of the game, eventually building its largest lead to 10 points, 77-67, with two minutes left.

For the game, the Thunder shot 42.4 percent from the floor, including 53.6 percent (15-of-28) in the second half. Olivet made 28-of-62 baskets (45.2 percent) in the game. The Comets were led by freshman Caitlin Thilo (Onondaga/Eaton Rapids), who came off the bench to score 14 points. Sophomore Gabrielle Federau (Okemos) joined her in double figures with 10 points.

Sarah Howe led Tri-State with a game-high 25 points, including 23 in the second half. Jordan Loveberry and Kelly Rogers chipped in with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

The Comets will host MIAA leader and nationally-ranked Hope College Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.