Saturday afternoon brought Trine University to Alma for a key early season MIAA Men's Basketball game and the Thunder came out on top by a score of 83-76 at Art Smith Arena. Trine improved their 2012-13 record to 9-4 (2-0 MIAA), while the Scots are now 5-8 (0-2 MIAA) on the season.

"I thought we came out with good energy and put Trine on their heels a bit, but again we could not sustain the effort," said Alma Head Coach Sam Hargraves. "The second half, especially early, our effort and drive were not there and Trine stepped up theirs and took advantage. Until we learn how to sustain our play for 40 minutes, we will continue to lose these types of games. This one is disappointing because it was there for us."

From the opening tip, both teams came out on fire shooting and Alma was able to achieve their biggest lead at seven, 16-9, after a three-pointer by Jr. F Isiah Law (Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven) at 16:01. The Scots made their first nine shots from the field and had a 25-18 advantage when they finally missed an attempt - a lay-up with 12:18 left in the half.

The Scots led by six at 32-26 after a lay-up by Jr. K Brandon Krause (Sanford, Mich./Meridian) at the 8:09 mark. But Trine would fight back to take their first lead of the game at 35-34 with 2:40 remaining in the frame and eventually took a 39-38 advantage into halftime.

In the second half, Trine outscored the Scots 14-3 in the first 3:46 and led by a score of 54-42 at the 16:14 mark of the half. The Thunder had their biggest lead at 62-49 after a lay-up with 10:31 left in the game before the Scots showed some life.

Two free throws by Alma Sr. F Greg Silverthorn (Shepherd, Mich./Shepherd) cut the Thunder's lead to 67-62 with 5:43 remaining in the contest. However, Trine was a determined bunch and went on an 8-1 run for a 75-63 advantage and led by between nine and 11 points most of the rest of the way. A late three by Law made the final margin of defeat for the Scots at seven, 83-76.

The Scots were led in scoring by Law, who finished with 25 points and he added a team-high seven rebounds. Fr. C Charley Helmer (Six Lakes, Mich./Montabella) and Sr. G Chris Williamson (Fowlerville, Mich./Fowlerville) were next for Alma with 11 and 10 points respectively. Williamson also had six boards and two assists in the defeat.

Alma next plays on Wednesday evening when they host Olivet College in the second game of a women's and men's doubleheader at Art Smith Arena. Tip-off for the men's game is scheduled for approximately 8:00 p.m. The women's tip-off is at 6:00 p.m.