TIGERS LOSE A HEARTBREAKER IN DOUBLE OVERTIME

WHITING, Ind. — Olivet Nazarene (IL) (12-5, 8-1) lost a close contest to Calumet (IN) (9-7, 5-4), 96-94 IN 2OT, at the Rittenmeyer Center on Wednesday night. Despite holding a 19-point lead in the first half, the Tigers were unable to maintain the lead, with Calumet securing the win in the final moments.

Olivet established an early lead with a strong opening, highlighted by Eli Edwards' jumper at 19:47 and Andrew Bennett's three-pointer at 19:03, assisted by Keagen Holder, pushing them to a 7–0 start. Mason Wood's three-pointer at 17:20 extended their advantage to 10–0, prompting a Calumet timeout. Despite Calumet's effort to close the gap, including a late surge that narrowed the deficit, the Tigers finished the first half ahead, 40–34.

Olivet built a significant lead in the second half, extending their lead to 13 points at the 15:47 mark. Edwards was instrumental, contributing points in the paint and securing key rebounds. Despite a late surge by Calumet, which saw them briefly take a four-point lead with just over a minute remaining, the Tigers responded with critical free throws by Edwards to tie the game. Regulation concluded with the score knotted at 76.

In the first overtime, Edwards' layup at 4:31 tied the score at 78-78. Holder contributed with another layup at 2:52, assisted Dylan Fey, again leveling the score at 80-80. Despite trailing by four points with under two minutes left, Fey narrowed the gap with two free throws, and Wood tied it at 84-84 with a layup at 0:57. The first overtime period ended 84-84, forcing the game into a second overtime.

Edwards played a pivotal role in Olivet's attempt to secure the lead late in the second overtime. Edwards tied the score at 86 with a jumper at 4:40 and later converted two free throws at 2:29 to push the Tigers ahead 90–88. Despite his efforts, Calumet responded immediately, with Quindarius Davis scoring to bring the game to a 90–90 tie shortly after.

Wood kept the Tigers in contention by tying the game at 94 with a jumper at 0:27 after an offensive rebound. However, Calumet's Davis delivered the decisive blow with a jumper at the 1-second mark, leading to a narrow 96–94 victory for Calumet.

Edwards led the team with 34 points and 11 rebounds, converting 15 of his 22 field goal attempts. Wood contributed with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while also dishing out five assists. Holder added 10 points and recorded eight assists, showcasing his playmaking ability. Bennett scored 12 points, making four 3-pointers, and collected six rebounds.

The Tigers hold a 12-5 overall record with an 8-1 mark in conference play. Calumet stands at 9-7 overall and 5-4 within their conference.