ALMA, Mich. – The Alma College men's basketball team played their second game of a back-to-back against the Augustana College (Ill.) Vikings on Saturday. The Scots lost, 72-66. 

Alma stayed close all game long until the final minutes, when they forced to foul to stop time and try to narrow the Vikings' lead. The game started with the Scots taking an early lead, which was then narrowed and overtaken by the Vikings. The first half continued to be a close game with both teams taking several 1-point leads over one another. The first half ended by Augustana hitting a three-pointer with less than a minute remaining in the half. The Vikings took a 34-33 lead into halftime.  

The second half picked right up where the first half had left off. Alma and Augustana battled for a stable lead in the first eight minutes of the half until the Vikings managed to extend their lead to 10. The Scots would then find themselves behind and unable to get within six points for the rest of the game.   

Leading the way for the Scots was Cole Kleiver, who had 25 points. Following him was Brandon Rake, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds, including three offensive boards. Peyton Bush and Nate Deyman contributed a team-high two assists each.  

The Alma College men's basketball team will be back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 23, when they travel to Illinois to take on Elmhurst University. The game is slated for an 8 p.m. tipoff. The Scots next home game is Wednesday, Jan. 5, against Kalamazoo College at 7:30 p.m. in Art Smith Arena. 

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