ALMA, Mich.  – The Alma College men's basketball team battled hard against the MIAA season leader Albion Britons on Wednesday, Jan. 26, but ultimately fell, 66-59. 

Both teams started the game converting on their offensive opportunities, creating a tight matchup for the first 10 minutes of gameplay. Albion would then create some defensive stops and take advantage of their gameplay to extend their lead to 28-15, with six minutes remaining in the half. Alma also took advantage of their defensive stops to cut into the Britons' lead and make it a four-point game with four minutes left to play. Albion would then go on a 15-2 run to end the first half, 43-26. 

The Scots started the second half on a 12-2 scoring run. Albion kept creating offensive opportunities to maintain their several-possession lead until the final minutes of the second half. Alma stopped the Britons from creating offense and made the contest a five-point game with two minutes remaining, but ultimately lost control. 

Alma's scoring leader was Cole Kleiver with 18 points. Following behind was Brandon Whiteside with nine points. Xavier Bargesser led the Scots in rebounds with seven. Gabe Bourdeau and Landen Moore Pierce both had three assists each to lead the team. Alma outrebounded the Britons, 35-44. The Scots would also lead the Britons in second-chance points, 14-10.  

The Scots are back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 2, as they take on Hope College. The game tips off at 7 p.m. in the Art Smith Arena. 

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