Men's Basketball Falls in Non-Conference Action at Olivet

OLIVET, MICH. - The Defiance College men's basketball team fell at Olivet Saturday evening in non-conference action, 96-64.

Defiance was led in the contest by freshman Kiewuan Graham (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) with a team-high 11 points and five rebounds, while freshman Davontae Kinnie (Ft. Wayne, Ind./Northside) chipped in 10 points and three assists.

The Yellow Jackets and Comets exchanged points for several minutes to open the first half before Graham connected from down town to give DC the lead with 17:16 to play, 8-7. However, Olivet responded with a 9-0 run to extend its lead over Defiance 16-8.

The Comet offense continued to run on all cylinders as back-to-back scores gave Olivet its largest lead of the half with 2:30 to play, 43-30. The Purple and Gold defense stepped up late in the half holding Olivet scoreless for the final two minutes, entering the break trailing 43-33.

Defiance looked to make a run early in the second half as back-to-back scores by Graham and senior Jonathan Ragland (Wilmette, Ill./Loyola Academy) cut the deficit to 45-37. However, the Olivet attack continued to pace the way as they pushed its advatnage to 65-43 following a 7-0 run with 13:56 remaining. 

After a DC layup by freshman Demoines Whitney (Detroit, Mich./Western), the Comets never looked back out scoring the Yellow Jackets 53-31 in the second half en route to the victory.

Olivet was led in the game by Jalen Adams with a game-high 28 points and 11 rebounds. 

The Purple and Gold return to action Monday, November 20 as they welcome Ohio Northern University to the Karl H. Weaner Center. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.