Score: Saginaw Valley 79, Olivet 67
Records: SVSU (1-2) | Olivet (0-2)
Location: James E. O'Neill Jr. Arena
UNIVERSITY CENTER -- The Cardinal Men's Basketball team rebounded nicely with a strong second half to claim a 79-67 victory over the Olivet College Comets on Wednesday (Nov. 15) night in the team's 2017-18 home opener.
After trailing by a 39-33 score heading into the halftime break, the Cardinals responded by outscoring the Comets 46-28 in the final 20 minutes, closing-out for the 79-67 non-conference decision.
The score remained tight throughout most of the opening half, with neither team leading by more than six points. Jake Daniels connected on one of his three triples at the 8:15 marker of the first, giving the Cards a 29-19 edge.
The Comets closed the first half strong, heading into the locker room after going on a 10-0 run to hold a 39-33 lead over Saginaw Valley.
Daniels led the way for SV with eight first half points while Olivet had two players with 14 points-apiece.
In the second frame, the Cardinals chipped-away at the Comet lead and took a lead at 42-41 after Jeremy Pung made good on a three-point play at the 18:51 point.
Saginaw Valley would regain control again after a brief Olivet lead, pushing the edge out to double-digits for the first time with just 2:44 to play after Sebastiano Lamonato made good on both ends of two free throws to make the score 75-65.
The Cards held on from there, sealing the 12-point win at 79-67.
Inside the Boxscore
- SVSU had a slight edge in shooting percentage, going 46.9% (30-64) while Olivet shot 45.3% (29-64).
- The Comets posted a 43-36 advantage in total rebounding.
- Each team had 44 points in the paint and 18 fastbreak points.
- The Cardinal bench continued its strong play, outscoring Olivet's bench 38-23.
- Saginaw Valley had 29 points off of 23 Olivet turnovers.
- Daniels's 17 points mark a season-high for him. He was 6-of-8 shooting and 3-of-4 from long range. He was named the Meijer "Player of the Game."
- Fred John Jr. had another solid game for the Cardinals, registering 11 points with four rebounds, two assists, a steal and block.
- Richie Roberts added 11 points as well with three boards and an assist.
- Malik Garner reached double-figures in scoring as well, netting 10 points with three assists and a steal.
- Lamonato added seven points and a team-high seven boards.
- DJ Hoskins had seven points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals in his first collegiate action.
From Head Coach Randy Baruth
Up Next...
SVSU travels to play at Lewis University on Saturday (Nov. 18) for the team's third contest against a regional GLVC opponent. The game will tip at 8:00 p.m. EST in Romeoville, Illinois.
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