HOLLAND, Mich. – Hitting the road for the first of three consecutive road conference games, the Alma College men's basketball team traveled to southwest Michigan to take on the Flying Dutchmen of Hope College. The Scots fell behind early and couldn't find enough gas in the tank for a comeback as they dropped the contest to the home team, 80-64.
Hope opened the game to a large scoring run of 15-0 in the first five minutes, holding the Scots scoreless until the 14:50 mark where Alma recorded their first made basket off a Joss Bradley layup. After breaking the ice, Alma offense began to take flight and continue to make strides, keeping pace with the Flying Dutchman for some time. Hope built their lead to 20 with seven minutes left to play in the first, forcing the Scots to play clean and calculated ball to stay within reach before it would be too late. The Scots hung around the 20-point deficit for the remainder of the first quarter, taking to the locker room at halftime with the score showing 43-24 in favor of Hope.
Looking to chip away and pull the game within reach in the second half, Alma came out of the half knowing what needed to be done and was willing to put the work in. Each team found success offensively early, keeping the score around the halftime mark for several minutes. Hope's largest lead of the game came at the 15-minute mark of the second half as the lead grew to 25 points. Alma then found their stride and brought the game back within reach after a 16-3 run over four minutes brought life back to the visiting Scots bench and fans. Hope then began to slowly quiet the Scots faithful with some stops defensively that led to offensive conversions, bringing the deficit back to the high teens with five left to play. With time racing against the Scots, Alma again found some success late in the contest, though it would not be enough as Hope would stay perfect in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play at 4-0 and the Scots would remain looking for the first.
Donovan Collins was the Scots leader offensively scoring 19 points, including five three-pointers, two rebounds and two steals. Korbin Heitzman chipped in 13 points and eight rebounds and Elijah Sykes added 11 points off the bench. Bradley and Logan St. martin each added three assists in the contest as well. Alma outscored Hope in points off turnovers with the Scots edging the Flying Dutchman out 14-13.
Alma will continue on the road on Wednesday, January 21st, as they will head to Albion College for a bout with the Britons. Game time is set for 7:00 PM inside the historic Kresge Gymnasium.
