The Alma College Women's Basketball team hit the road on Saturday afternoon to take on host Albion College in a MIAA matchup. Close throughout, the Britons were able to make a few big shots down the stretch to earn a 51-48 victory over the visiting Scots.

With the tough defeat, Alma fell to 2-9 in the league and 7-13 overall, while Albion improved to 5-6 in the MIAA and 11-8 in 2014-15.

"The score says we lost, but we played well and well enough to win," said Alma Head Coach Kris Johnson. "I am proud of our effort, especially in the second half. Good execution on both ends. Some missed opportunities proved to be the difference in the game."

The Scots jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a jumper by Sr. G Grace Wheeler (St.Ignace/LaSalle) just 21 seconds in the half and would not trail in the first 20 minutes. After the game was tied at 5-5, the Scots outscored the Britons 19-6 to take a 24-11 advantage on a three-pointer by So. G Nicole Green (Portland/Portland) at the 4:35 mark. 

However, Albion would close out the half on a 14-2 run of their own to cut the Alma lead to 26-25 at the halftime break.

The Britons took their first lead at 27-26 a 1:10 into the second half and then there would be 10 lead changes the rest of the way. Both teams went back and forth and neither led by more than four in the ultra competitive final frame.

Alma's led 45-41 with 1:39 left in the game after two free throws by Jr. F Raeanna Zink (Frankenmuth/Frankenmuth). The Britons scored the next eight points to grab a 49-45 lead with 10 seconds remaining. However, the Scots never quit, and today was no exception.

Sr. G Morgan Henry (Wayland/Wayland Union) drained a three-pointer with three seconds left to make it a 49-48 game. However, after a quick Alma foul, the Britons hit two free throws and held on for the 51-48 final margin of victory.

Wheeler led all Alma scorers with nine points and had a team-high six assists in the loss. Zink finished with eight points, while Sr. G Mallory Pruett (Ishpeming/Ishpeming) recorded six points and added a squad-best six rebounds. Henry finished with seven points and five boards off the bench for Alma.

The Scots stay on the road as they take on host Kalamazoo College on Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.