WHEATON, Ill. – The Alma College men's basketball team wrapped up play at the 2023 Lee Pfund Classic hosted by Wheaton College in the championship game. The Scots competed in a back-and-forth game but ultimately fell to Piedmont University by the final score of 80-71.
The Lions opened the scoring for the game with a driving layup while taking their first lead of the contest. Shortly after, Alma put themselves on the board and took their first lead of the game behind Connor Riley who scored the first five points of the game for the Scots. As each team traded points, Donovan Collins rose to the occasion and found a groove early. Collins knocked down a three to bring Alma within one which led to another jumper from Collins that put Alma back on top. For the next several minutes of the first half, Collins and Riley took control of the offense as almost all of Alma's points were coming through the duo. Just over 11 minutes into the game, Alma took their largest lead of the half as Gabe Bourdeau hit from behind the arc and put the Scots up six as the offense was clicking. The Lions stormed back and went on an 11-0 run putting the Scots behind again heading down to the final minutes of the first half. The Maroon and Cream were able to knot the game at 37 apiece but would not take the lead for the remainder of the first half. A Bourdeau three and a Colton Meister jumper in the waning seconds put the Scots within one heading into the break.
Alma trailed coming out of the half for the first several minutes but never put themselves down more than two possessions. The game was again tied with 12 minutes left to play, building up all the drama heading down the stretch. Piedmont tried to pull away from Alma after they strung together a 7-0 run but the Scots were able to get their offense back on the board and keep the game within a couple possessions. Tyshaun Walker was able to put Alma within four after putting away two free throws, though that would be the closest they would get for the rest of the night. A late surge from the Lions offense would be enough to keep Alma away and send the Scots home 1-1 from Illinois after falling 80-71 in the championship game.
Collins in his first game starting, was the leading scorer for Alma with 20 in the game, while cashing in on six threes in the contest. Riley ended the contest with 15 points while leading the Scots with four assists. Bourdeau tied for a game-high nine rebounds, as the Scots outrebounded the Lions 50-30, with 18 coming offensively. Alma was able to move the ball around and find new looks as the Scots finished the game with 16 assists as a team, five more than Piedmont.
In addition to the game, Walker and Riley were both named to the All-Tournament Team for their play over the weekend. Alma and Piedmont both had two players each named to the team following the conclusion of the championship game.
Alma will look to continue their season on Saturday, November 25th, as they will host Ohio Northern University for an afternoon matchup inside the Art Smith Arena. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM.
