NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Alma College men's basketball team opened up their 2023-24 season on the road in Indiana against Manchester University on Thursday, November 9th. The Scots were defeated by the Spartans to a final score of 76-61.
Out of the tip, both teams struggled to score the first basket for the first minute until Manchester knocked down a triple to open the scoring. Both teams then traded baskets following the first score, before the Spartans put together a 14-2 run to take the lead away from the Scots. Again, each team traded baskets, holding the Scots back from cutting into the lead. Tyshaun Walker and Gabe Bourdeau scored a three and a layup respectively to bring the Scots within seven with six minutes left in the first half. The Spartans extended their lead back to 15 shortly after and would hang around there until the end of the half. Walker knocked down a three and a layup in the last two minutes of the half to send the Scots into the half down 12.
The second half picked up where the first half left off as Manchester found ways to convert on offensive chances early as the Scots battled back. Early free throws and a couple big three's gave Alma some life as they battled back to down eight less than four minutes into the half. Connor Riley converted on a transition layup to bring the Scots within six just a minute later before a timeout. Following the timeout, Riley converted on a layup, bringing the Scots within two possessions with just under 14 minutes left in the game. In a back-and-forth match, the teams again matched one another's baskets for a span of time, though Alma was knocking down key three's to slowly chip away at the lead. De'Quan Powell cashed in on a three-pointer on a pass from Korbin Heitzman to pull Alma within three before another timeout was called. Coming out of the timeout, Manchester strung together several baskets along with defensive stops to extend their lead once again but the Scots would not back down early. The Scots found ways to get it done in the middle of the half to keep within reaching distance with about five to play in the game. The Spartans would eventually go on a 9-0 run with under five minutes left to put the Scots out of reach and pulled away for a 76-61 victory, handing Alma a loss to start their season.
Walker led the Scots scoring with 18 points on 5-11 shooting, including 3-7 from beyond the arc. Riley was the next leading scorer with 16 points on 6-13 shooting. Riley led the team with three assists, while Heitzman and Bourdeau each had two in the game. Colton Meister led Alma in rebounds with seven defensive and two on offense for nine total rebounds. Meister also recorded three blocks in the game as well as Walker collected five steals. The Scots tallied 20 points off of fast breaks which was five more than Manchester on the night. Alma also recorded 13 steals in the game compared to the Spartans eight.
Alma will return to action on Saturday, November 11th, as they play host to Oberlin College for the home opener for the season. The Scots as well are hosting a toy drive for 'A Kid Again Michigan' helping give gifts to those with life-impacting illnesses. The game is set for a 2:00 PM tip-off on the campus of Alma College.
