ALMA, Mich. – The Alma College men's basketball team fell to Hope College in their second meeting of the season on Wednesday, February 1st. The final score was 76-53.

Hope jumped out to an early lead before the Scots got the ball rolling and got on the board. The first eight minutes of gameplay was fast-paced and filled with scoring chances as both teams found the basket. Hope steadily held a small lead throughout the first half, but rarely more than a few possessions. With under four minutes remaining in the first, Hope took their largest lead of the half to ten points. Connor Riley would drive to the hoop and get a basket while being fouled which lead to a converted and-one opportunity. Aidan Judsen then converted a look in the paint to give the Scots. 5-0 run to head into halftime trailing 31-26.

Hope opened the half on a 15-3 run, giving them a double-digit lead. Alma battled throughout the second half but struggled to find their offense as the Flying Dutchmen slowly crept farther away from Alma on the scoreboard. The Scots would get defensive stops late in the second half, but time seemed to diminish too quick for Alma to get back into the game. The Scots would drop the midweek contest and the season series to Hope.

Tyshaun Walker led the Scots in the scoring department with 14 points as Riley followed behind with 13. Both players also collected four rebounds apiece which also led the team for the night. De' Quan Powell added two assists off the bench along with Riley to lead the team in that respective category. The Scots were able to cause 15 turnovers for Hope and collected 13 points on second chance points for the game.

Alma will look to rebound from the loss with a game against Trine University on Saturday, February 4th. Tipoff will be at 3:00 PM in Angola, Indiana.

Stay up to date with the latest news, schedules, scores, recaps and more by downloading the official mobile app for Alma College Athletics. Search "Alma Scots Front Row" in the Apple App Store or on Google Play and download today for free.

Story Credit: Eli Pinter, Sports Information Intern