GRINNELL, Iowa – The Alma College men's basketball team hit the road on Friday afternoon for a Saturday tipoff against Grinnell College in Iowa. The Scots found themselves in a shootout with the high-powered Pioneers but were able to pull away in the second half for a 116-102 win in game one of two on the weekend.
Alma took the first lead of the game off of a three pointer from Tyshaun Walker to open the game. Grinnell would then score four unanswered to take their first lead before Alma would put together a 7-0 run of their own to regain and extend the lead. For the next several minutes, both teams found success on offense trading baskets with one another though Alma would continue to hold a lead over the Pioneers. With just under ten minutes remaining in the first, Grinnell would bring the Scots lead down to one-point before a Nolan Boffman layup and two free-throws would extend the lead back to four for the Scots. The Pioneers would hang around with the Scots bringing the lead down to one possession multiple times until the Pioneers would tie the game with under seven minutes. The Pioneers would take their first lead since the opening minute with five minutes remaining. A minute later, a Walker three-pointer would tie the game at 38 apiece. Grinnell would again tie the game about a minute later but heading into the half, Alma held a two-point lead, 51-49.
Opening the half, Alma knocked down some shots early but the Pioneers were able to tie the game just two minutes into the half. Alma would regain the lead and extend it to five points before Grinnell fought back and brought it to a one-possession again. A quick 6-0 run seven minutes into the second half put Alma back up by seven, looking to pull away from the Pioneers. With ten minutes remaining in the game, Alma would take their largest lead to that point with a nine-point lead heading down the stretch, 81-72. Grinnell would battle back and bring it within six, but the Scots controlled the game in the final minutes to pull away in a high-scoring affair with a team that is known for their play style. Alma would ultimately defeat the Pioneers by a final score of 116-102, kicking off the road trip in the win column.
Colton Meister led the Scots in the scoring department with 29, one-point shy of his career-best he set earlier this season. Connor Riley followed behind with 24 of his own while recording 11 rebounds. Walker led the Scots in two categories, recording a team-high six assists and a team-high 16 rebounds. De'Quan Powell and Gabe Bourdeau moved the ball well also as they recorded four assists each. As a tam the Scots shot almost 52% from the floor and recorded 25 assists as a team, doubling the amount Grinnell had. The Scots also out rebounded the Pioneers, raking in 56 rebounds, 25 of which came offensively.
Alma will now hit the road to Illinois for a Sunday matinee matchup against the Fighting Scots of Monmouth College. Tipoff is set for 2:00 PM CST, 3:00 PM EST.
