GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– Opening up Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play on the road for their first game of the new year, the Alma College men's basketball team went head-to-head with the Knights of Calvin University. The Scots found themselves in a close contest coming out of the half, though the Knights pulled away to give Alma their first conference loss of the season, 91-78.
Calvin jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead before the Scots registered their first basket from Logan St. martin, who knocked down a three to put Alma on the board. Calvin added another nine unanswered to build a lead to 14 just six minutes into play as the Scots struggled early on to find offense. Eight straight points from Korbin Heitzman over a three-minute span brought the Scots back within six, thanks to some defensive stops as well. Another basket by Heitzman and a stop followed by a three by Joss Bradley brought the Scots within a possession. Elijah Sykes tied the game on a three-pointer of his own with eight minutes left to play in the first frame. Alma would take their first lead of the game just 30 seconds later on a jumper from Bradley. Alma's largest lead of the first would come a minute after on a fast break layup by St. Martin. Both teams traded the lead coming down the final minutes of the first with the Knights taking the lead into half, 40-38.
Alma opened the second half tying the game up right away by Josh Elliott before Calvin scored the next five points. Each offense found their groove for the next several minutes as baskets were converted on both end of the floor. Calvin held a seven-point lead at the halfway point of the second half before tacking on a three to build their first double-digit lead of the game. Alma responded fast to bring the score within six though the K nights found a brief 11-0 run for push the deficit to 17 for the Scots with six minutes left to play. Alma would struggle to bring the game back within single digits though the offense after a stagnant slump would convert coming down the stretch. Calvin ultimately finished off the game up 13 with a final score of 91-78.
Korbin Heitzman continued his dominance on the court with his fifth double-double of the season leading the Scots with 25 points and 13 rebounds. St. Martin was Alma's next highest point getter with 15, knocking down three from beyond the arc in the game. Raine Rodich, Preston Malpass and Heitzman all recorded three assists in the game while Donovan Collins added three steals. Alma outscored the Knights off turnovers 13-9 and off the bench 22-13 throughout the game.
Alma will continue on the road in MIAA conference play as they will head to Angola, Indiana on Saturday, January 10th, for a date with the Thunder of Trine University. Game time for the Saturday matinee is set for 3:00 PM.
