TIGERS COME UP SHORT AT HOME AGAINST INDIANA KOKOMO

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University (2-2) fell to Indiana University Kokomo (3-2), 84-81, in a closely contested matchup at McHie Arena on Saturday. The Tigers recorded 37 rebounds, including 14 on the offensive end, but ultimately could not overcome IU Kokomo's 11 three-pointers.

The opening half saw Olivet initially take control, with Caleb Corro scoring a layup to start the game. Eli Edwards then took over and helped the Tigers build a 23-17 lead at 9:58 remaining in the first half. However, IU Kokomo responded with a 12-2 run that propelled them to a four-point cushion with just over seven minutes remaining in the half. Olivet would battle back and tie the game with a layup by Landen Hale late in the first half, but a layup and three-pointer by IU Kokomo closed the half and the Tigers entered the break down 45-40.

Two quick baskets by the Tigers to start the second half kept them in the game. Despite trailing at times, Olivet consistently closed the gap, tying the game at 71–71 with Mason Wood's free throws at 5:42. Although IU Kokomo briefly pulled ahead again, a layup by Wood and two free throws by Edwards gave Olivet the lead with 2:24 remaining in the game. IU Kokomo answered the call again though and a Patric Matson three-pointer gave them a four point lead with 1:18 left in the game. Keagen Holder then hit a clutch three-pointer at 0:45 and the deficit was cut to one point. After an IU Kokomo layup increased their lead to three again, the Tigers had possession and opportunity to tie. Olivet had two different opportunities to tie the game, but Corro's three-pointers were just off the mark and the game ended in a 84-81 loss for Olivet.

Edwards posted a remarkable performance with 32 points and secured nine rebounds. Andrew Bennett contributed 12 points and dished out three assists. Holder recorded 10 points while leading the team with five assists. Hale scored 16 points, converting 8 of 10 field goal attempts.

The Tigers are now 2-2 overall and IU Kokomo improves to 3-2 on the season.

Olivet is on the road for their next contest, traveling to Elgin, Ill. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to face the Judson Eagles.

--ONU--