In another early big league game, the Scots Men's Basketball team hosted Olivet College on Wednesday evening and came away with an impressive 79-69 victory at Art Smith Arena. Alma improved to 1-2 in the MIAA and 6-8 overall this season, while the Comets have an identical 6-8 mark in 2012-13 and 1-2 in the league.

The first half was a closely contested affair as both teams played a clean, enjoyable 20 minutes of college basketball. The Scots led 7-6 at the 16:08 mark after a three-pointer by Fr. G DJ Beckman (Shelby, Mich./Shelby) and had their last first half lead at 16-15 when Sr. F Greg Silverthorn (Shepherd, Mich./Shepherd) put in a lay-up with 11:56 remaining.

Olivet went ahead shortly thereafter by a score of 18-16 and were able to maintain their advantage throughout the rest of the first frame. The Comets' biggest lead came at 39-33 after a bucket with 3:39 remaining. However, the Scots stayed close and the two teams went into halftime with the visitors holding a 41-38 lead.

The second half saw the visitors extend their lead to 54-44 just five minutes into the frame and it looked as though the Scots might be on their way to another disappointing defeat. However, the home team dug down and after Silverthorn put in a lay-up at 11:23 that marked a 11-0 run, Alma had the 55-54 lead.

The run ended at 19-2 after Beckman hit a lay-up that gave the Scots a 63-56 advantage with 8:01 left in the game. The Comets would come as close as 64-61 with 4:30 remaining, but the Scots were able to open it back up and earn the 79-69 home victory.

Beckman led all Alma scorers with 29 points that included five three-pointers and he added five rebounds in the win. Jr. F Isiah Law (Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven) had 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jr. G Brandon Krause (Sanford, Mich./Meridian) contributed 11 points and four boards. Silverthorn had a productive night in the win with seven points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals.

Alma travels to Grand Rapids on Saturday afternoon to take on Calvin College. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.