Holland, MI – Alma College Women's Basketball took part in the second day of the Hope College Post Exam Jam tournament on Wednesday evening. The Scots were defeated by Augustana (IL) by a final of 60-52.
 
The offenses opened up with a strong showing in the first quarter. Alma jumped out to a 12-4 lead early, with Augustana using an identical run to take the lead late in the quarter. After the opening frame, the Scots trailed 21-20.
 
The second quarter was one of the most defensive that Alma's schedule has seen in 2023. The teams combined for just 17 points, as makes were increasingly hard to come by. Alma held Augustana to a 4-18 showing from the field in the period, while the Vikings held the Scots to just 1-14 from the floor. At halftime, Alma trailed 31-27.
 
Alma hit back hard in the third quarter. The Scots used a trio of made threes in the first 5-minutes of the period to take the lead back, and went to work on the defensive end of the floor. Alma ended up with 16 points in the quarter, thanks to 3-8 shooting from downtown. The Vikings 11 points meant that Alma held a 43-42 lead heading into the fourth.
 
Augustana managed to turn it on in the fourth quarter. Alma struggled to find open looks, and was held to 1-10 shooting from three point land. The Vikings managed to find just a bit more in the tank, and pushed to the end, with the final score 60-52.
 
Taylor Sas (18 Points, 5 Rebounds, 1 Steal) Molly Duerloo (11 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2 Assists) and Izzy Alston (9 Points, 10 Rebounds, 3 Blocks) were the leaders in the loss.
 
The Scots round out 2023, and look forward to opening 2024 at Trine on January 3.