ALMA, Mich. – The Alma College men's basketball team continued along with their conference campaign on Saturday, January 6th, in Art Smith Arena as they hosted Hope College. Y=The Scots were downed by the Flying Dutchmen by a final score of 79-63.
The Flying Dutchmen opened the scoring in the contest on the first possession of the game. Alma responded right away with a layup from Colton Meister to tie the game. Alma just a minute later took the lead from the Dutchmen off of a three-pointer from Gabe Bourdeau. After a Hope basket regained the lead, Bourdeau again knocked down a three to again take the lead, five minutes into the game. Hope strung together six straight points before Alma converted a three from Korbin Heitzman and two free-throws from Connor Riley to bring the Scots within one. Alma was then held scoreless as the Flying Dutchmen went on a 13-0 run to extend their lead to 14, before Alma got back on the board. Hope would go on an 11-5 run to close out the first half as the Scots headed into the locker rooms trailing 42-24.
The Scots were able to cut into the lead coming out of the half early, before each offense traded baskets for a couple minutes. The Scots were finding their opportunities on offense though the deficit was staying consistent as both teams were matching each other. Hope took their largest lead of the game with just over six minutes remaining in the game as they extended their lead to 25 before Alma would chip away in the final minutes. With a minute remaining in action, the Scots brought the score to within 13, but Hope would score the final baskets of the game as time was not in favor of Alma.
Riley led the Scots in scoring as he tallied 17 on the night, with Tyshaun Walker trailing behind with 12. Walker and Meister each collected seven rebounds in the game to lead the Alma players as Riley dished out four assists to lead the team. The Scots scored eight fastbreak points in the game, one more than Hope scored.
Alma will continue their conference home stand pn Wednesday, January 10th, as they will play host to #12 Trine University. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM in Art Smith Arena.
