ALMA, Mich. - With a men's and women's basketball doubleheader scheduled for tonight at Cappaert Gymnasium, the women's team was set to tip at 6 p.m. But due to a miscommunication, the ball didn't move until nearly 7 p.m. and a delayed pre-game and off-time warm-up set the tone.

Ultimately, Alma would fall to visiting Saint Mary's College 66-58 to fall to 7-9 on the season and 3-6 in MIAA play.

Despite taking the lead midway through the first half and entering the locker room at halftime down by just one point, 37-36, Alma came out flat in the second half. After shooting 56 percent in the first, the Scots countered with just 34 percent from the field in the second half. For the game, the Scots mustered just one three-pointer in the first half, going 0-for-6 in the second stanza, shooting a dismal 11 percent from three-point range.

Emily Niemi (Skandia/Gwinn) led the way for the Scots with her second double-double of the season and her first in MIAA play this year with 11 points and 14 rebounds, including 11 defensive boards, going 4-of-6 from the field. Ashley Matuzak (Saginaw/Nouvel) led the Scots with 14 points in limited time, getting her third foul midway through the first half. She played just 21 minutes, adding 14 points, seven rebounds, two blocks a steal and five turnovers.

Heather Keenan (Charlotte) added 12 points and three assists in the effort.

The Scots return to action Saturday (Jan. 27) when they travel to Albion for a 3 p.m. MIAA game.