The Alma College Men's Basketball team hosted Albion College on Saturday afternoon and the host Scots came away with the 78-76 league victory at Art Smith Arena. The win gave Alma a 2-4 record in the league and 7-10 overall, while the Britons fell to 0-6 in the MIAA and 4-13 in 2012-13.

"It was great for us to be able to hang on and get the win and it was especially nice with our alumni in attendance," said Scots Head Coach Sam Hargraves. "Albion is a team that doesn't quit and they showed that today. We have to continue to learn to play better with a lead."

The game was competitive throughout and the Scots led most of the way in the first half. With Albion holding a 11-10 lead, Jr. F Jake Murawske (Harbor Beach, Mich./Harbor Beach) hit a three-pointer that gave the team a two-point advantage at 12:00. The Scots would not trail again until late in the game.

Alma held their biggest lead of the frame when Sr. G Chris Williamson (Fowlerville, Mich./Fowlerville) downed a three-pointer for a 40-30 lead with just 1:56 remaining. The Britons cut it to five before the Scots eventually went into halftime with the 43-35 lead.

The Scots extended their lead to 51-40 in the second half when Jr. G Brandon Krause (Sanford, Mich./Meridian) made a jump shot at 16:49. Alma still led by nine at 12:45 after a Wlliamson three, but the Britons were not going to go away on this afternoon.

Albion cut their deficit to 67-66 after a basket with 5:33 remaining and it was nail-biting time the remainder of the way. The Britons actually took a 73-71 lead at the 1:40 mark on a three-pointer but the Scots tied the game after two free throws by Krause.

After a missed Albion shot, the home team responded with a three-pointer by Sr. G Greg Silverthorn (Shepherd, Mich./Shepherd) that gave Alma a 76-73 lead with 41 seconds left. The Scots then led 78-73 after two free throws by Krause at 25 seconds.

A three point play for Albion and a turnover by the Scots gave the Britons one final chance for a tie or a win with 10 seconds left in the game. However, a jump shot by the visitors with just one second left bounced off the rim and Alma escaped with the two-point victory.

Krause led the Scots with 21 points and had three assists, while Jr. F Isiah Law (Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven) added 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Fr. F Kyle Benthem (McBain, Mich./N. Michigan Christian), in his first collegiate start, scored 10 points and added four rebounde, while Silverthorn ended up with five board and eight points.

The Scots will host Kalamazoo College on Wednesday night at Art Smith Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m.