Naperville, Ill. - The Alma College men's basketball team opened a four-game stretch against teams from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin on Wednesday (Nov. 23) evening, falling to No. 13 North Central College, 78-59, at Gregory Arena. Senior Tyler Edwards (Flint, Mich./Swartz Creek recorded his first career double-double, netting 15 points and a pulling down a career-high 10 rebounds to lead the team in both categories.

Senior Chase Fairchild (Rockford, Mich./Rockford) added 12 points, including a trio of three-pointers as No. 14 Alma (1-3 overall) dropped its third straight contest.

Alma held a 7-6 advantage just under three minutes into the first half, but the Cardinals put together an 18-2 run, resulting in a 24-9 advantage halfway through the opening period. The Scots pulled within eight points with just over two minutes to play in the opening frame, but North Central ended the half with a 7-0 run and went into the break up 43-28. Alma could not close the gap in the final 20 minutes as the Cardinals outscored the Scots, 35-31.

The Scots were held to a season-low 39.2 percent shooting from the field (20-51) and were 6-of-22 from three point range, while the host Cardinals made 32 of their 66 shots (48.5 pct.) and out-rebounded the Alma by a 38-32 margin.

Alma will return to Art Smith Arena on Sunday, November 27, to host Elmhurst College (IL) in a non-conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.