OLIVET, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team showed its persistence Wednesday evening as the Hornets came away with a big Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association win against the hosting Olivet College Comets.
Kalamazoo defeated Olivet, 75-63, in a game that served as revenge after Olivet squeaked out a close win when the Comets visited Kalamazoo in mid-January.
Josh Miller provided the Hornets with energy early in the game as his tip-in at the 11:44 mark gave Kalamazoo a 20-13 advantage. He scored nine points and corralled five rebounds in the first half.
Olivet wasn't fazed by the Hornets' energy, though, as it regained the lead with 6:08 remaining and ultimately carried a 42-35 lead into halftime.
Refueled after the break, the Hornets jumpstarted their second half comeback with a 12-1 run to begin the remaining 20 minutes taking a 49-45 lead with 14:11 remaining.
Slowly but surely the Hornets' lead continued to grow much in part due to the hot shooting of Tommy Cerven. 12 of Cerven's 17 points were scored in the second half of play. He also recorded seven rebounds for the Hornets.
Chase Baysdell wreaked havoc for Kalamazoo inside as he was sent to the free throw line 10 times, making eight attempts. He recorded 10 points in the second half and 16 total.
Miller ended his evening with 19 points and 10 rebounds. It was his fourth straight game with double-digit scoring.
The Hornets limited to Olivet to just 37.5 percent shooting from the floor while Kalamazoo ended the evening shooting 42.3 percent.
Kalamazoo also dominated on the glass holding a 42-27 advantage at the end of the day.
The Hornets will look to keep their momentum going this upcoming Saturday when Calvin visits Anderson Athletic Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.