Ross scores career-high 27 in women’s basketball team's 70-69 come-from-behind win

Freshman Ameina Ross (Lansing/Everett) scored 27 points to lead the Olivet College women's basketball team to a 70-69 come-from-behind victory against Tri-State (Ind.) University tonight at Hershey Hall in Angola, Ind. The Comets (4-7, 3-1 MIAA) rallied from 15 points down, 56-41, with 10:28 left in the second half.

In the first half, the Thunder built a 14-point lead, 34-20, with just less than six minutes left. Olivet ended the half with a 14-4 run to trail by only four points, 38-34, at the intermission.

Tri-State built its 56-41 lead midway through the second half. The Comets began their rally and eventually took their first lead, 65-64, with 1:45 left in regulation. After the Thunder's Rachel Grove made a three-pointer, junior Shannon Tennant (Saginaw/Arthur Hill) put Olivet back up by one point, 68-67.

Sarah Howe answered for Tri-State with a jumper to regain the lead, 69-68. The Comets brought the ball up the court and called a timeout. Off a pass down in the key, junior Emily Brown (Muskegon/Mona Shores) dribbled a couple times and made a layup for the game-winning basket.

Ross made 11-of-17 baskets and five-of-six free throws for her 27 points. Tennant finished with a career-high 11 points, including three three-pointers. Senior Amy Brackenwagen (Grand Ledge) posted her first collegiate double-double, 10 points and 11 rebounds. She also dished out a game-high five assists.

Howe led the Thunder with 24 points. Kristen Julian added 14 points, while Grove added 13. Howe also had a team-leading eight rebounds.

The Comets are back in action Saturday when they travel to play Hope College. The Flying Dutch are ranked No. 1 in the D3hoops.com Top 25 poll and the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association poll. Tip-off at the DeVos Fieldhouse is scheduled for 3 p.m.