University Heights, Ohio - The Alma College men's basketball team continued its run in the NCAA Division III Tournament and advanced to the sectional round with a 90-83 win at fifth-ranked John Carroll on Saturday (March 5) evening. The Scots (23-6 overall) will face the winner of the St. Norbert-St. Olaf game next weekend at a site to be determined.

Five players scored in double figures for the No. 13 Scots, led by sophomore Jason Beckman (Shelby, Mich./Shelby), who netted a game-high 23 points, as Alma picked up its school-record 23rd win.

Alma picked up its first win against the Blue Streaks (26-4), which had defeated Alma in the previous three meetings between the two schools. In addition, the Scots handed John Carroll just its second loss at home this season, and second home loss in its NCAA Tournament history.

The first half was a spirited one as the Blue Streaks came out and hit an opening three, only to be answered with a 10-0 run by the Scots. Alma built up an eight-point lead after eight straight points by Beckman, who had 17 in the half, but John Carroll was able to climb back, tying the game at 22-22 with 7:49 to play, and eventually building its own lead to four points at 30-26 with 5:36 to go. Following a media timeout, the Scots regained the advantage on a pair of buckets by senior Scott Nikodemski (Rockford, Mich./Rockford). Junior Trevor Gernaat (McBain, Mich./Northern Michigan Christian/Mid-Michigan CC) finished the half with a layup to send the Scots into the break up by five points at 39-24.

In the second half, the Blue Streaks got within one point at 47-46 with 16:31 to play, but another 10-0 run by Alma but the Scots up by 11. John Carroll surged again, but the Scots responded with a 14-3 run, including two three-pointers by sophomore Doug Bradfield (Mason, Mich./Mason). Alma kept the Blue Streaks at bay the rest of the game to advance to the sweet 16.

NOTES

• Alma's 23 wins this season is a school record, surpassing the 22 wins the 1940-41 squad obtained. 

• Alma is 19-2 this season when leading at the half.

• The Scots are 20-1 when four or more players scored 10+ points.