ALMA, Mich. – The Alma College men's basketball team hosted their home opener against Oberlin College on Saturday, November 11th at Art Smith Arena. The Scots trailed early but battled back throughout the game and came away with a 78-72 win over the Yeomen.
Oberlin jumped out to an early lead scoring the first eight points of the game before Tyshaun Walker knocked down a three to put Alma on the board. The Scots would match Oberlin's baskets for the next several minutes as Oberlin was able to keep a two-possession lead. Just over eight minutes into the game Colton Meister strung together a couple layups consecutively to bring the Scots within one-possession. The Yeomen again extended the lead back to multiple possessions before Meister took the game into his own hands. Again, consecutive layups from the center gave Alma their first lead of the game with just over six minutes remaining in the first half. Both teams traded the lead for the next several minutes before Alma would extend a lead to three off of a Donovan Collins triple from a Walker pass. After Oberlin tied it with a minute remaining Alma had possession with just over 30 seconds left holding it for the last shot. Connor Riley found Gabe Bourdeau in the corner at the buzzer for a three to go into the half with the lead, 41-38.
Starting play after the break, Alma kept their lead but it stayed one possession as each team found ways to score. Meister again found a way to get it done in the paint helping extend the Scots lead to two-possessions. Alma then went on an 8-2 run to take their first double-digit lead of the contest with ten minutes remaining. The Scots then went stagnant for several minutes as Oberlin tightened the gap bringing it within three with five minutes remaining. With four minutes left in regulation, Oberlin put together several stops and converted on offense for a 6-0 run to bring them within two heading down the stretch. Meister found the rim and converted a layup to give Alma a four-point lead again before Oberlin would only make on of their two free throws with under a minute remaining. De'Quan Powell knocked down two free throws two separate times to take a seven-point lead with under 20 seconds left to ultimately give Alma their first win over the season and send the Scots fans home happy with a win in Art Smith Arena.
Colton Meister led all players in the game with a career-high 30 points for the night. Meister also collected ten rebounds for his first double-double of the season. Meister also recorded four blocks in the game. Riley led all players with five assists to go along with his ten points on the night, as well as Walker added three assists and 18 points for the Scots.
Alma will be back in action on the road on Tuesday, November 14th as they travel to Ohio to take on the Owls of Kenyon College. Game time is set for 6:00 PM.
