OLIVET, Mich. – Olivet knocked down four 3-point baskets in a two-minute stretch of the first half to build a 12-point lead as it earned an 81-54 victory over Albion on the opening night of Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association action.

After spotting Olivet the first six points of the contest, Albion got a basket from Leonard Wernette-Leff and a 3-point basket from Damon Eldridge to trim the deficit to a single point.

Garner Small, who led all players with 24 points, led Olivet on its decisive run with a pair of 3-point baskets. Blake Krum and Dakotah Ellis added 3-point goals as the Comets pulled ahead 18-6 with 12 ½ minutes left in the first half. The Comets shot 47 percent from the field and had just one turnover as they extended the margin to 43-19 at halftime.

Eric Evans scored five of his 11 points as Albion opened the second half on a 7-0 run. Anthony Wash also tacked on a pair of free throws. Albion was able to whittle the deficit down to 17 on a couple of occasions, but that was as close as it got.

Small pulled down 10 rebounds to complete a double-double. Krum added 15 points for the Comets.