NEW WILMINGTON, Penn. – The Alma College men's basketball team wrapped up their final game before a holiday break on Thursday, December 19th, as they faced off against the Titans of Westminster College (PA). The Scots led at the half, but the lead would slip away resulting in a loss by a final score of 81-73.
The beginning of action saw a back-and-forth contest between the two squads as neither team could muster more than a one-possession lead five minutes into the game. The Scots took the lead around the 14-minute mark and took the first multiple possession lead of the game. The Scots would hold a four-to-six-point lead over the Titans for a majority of the remaining first half, though Westminster would bring the game back within one-point with under five minutes left in the period. Alma would end the first half on an 11-4 scoring run to extend the lead they saw diminish in the final minutes, leading the Titans by eight, 41-33.
After leading at halftime for the first time this season, the Scots were able to tally on a couple more points, trying to create some insurance on their end. The momentum would flip drastically in the next several minutes not in favor of Alma as the Titans would go on a 14-0 run over a six-minute span to steal the lead from the Scots, looking to go up by multiple possessions. The Scots would slow the momentum momentarily though Westminster would tack on another 8-0 run over two minutes to slowly start taking control of the game. Both teams would trade buckets for the next several minutes, limiting the Scots chances to build a comeback bid. The final minutes saw the Titans build enough of a lead to spoil the Scots halftime lead and come away with a comeback win over the Scots before Christmas Break.
Donovan Collins again led the Scots, putting up 24 points, while shooting seven for 11 from three. Jeremy Rosario was the next leading scorer for the Scots collecting 13 points along with seven rebounds. Paul Gadde led the team in rebounds, grabbing nine to go along with his ten points for the afternoon. The Scots bench was able to outscore the Titans bench ove the course of the game, 36-32 as well.
Alma will now have a break for Christmas before returning to action, heading west this time to Iowa for the Loras Holiday Classic. Alma will first face-off against Loras College on Saturday, December 28th, with a tip off set for 6:00 PM.
