ALMA, Mich. – In a lively atmosphere inside Art Smith Arena, honoring the life of player and coach Tye Edwards as well as the ten-year anniversary of the 2015-16 MIAA Tournament Champions and Elite Eight finalist team, the Alma College men's basketball team took to the court against the Hope College Flying Dutchmen on Saturday, February 7th. The Scots were defeated by Hope with a final score of 80-48.
Alma opened the game with a 7-0 run put together by the tandem of Korbin Heitzman and Elijah Sykes before the Flying Dutchmen responded with seven of their own unanswered to tie the game back up. Alma took the lead once again by a pair until the visitors put together another seven unanswered to take their first lead of the game. Alma hung close with Hope after they surrendered the lead, only needing a couple baskets to retie the game. Hope found another scoring streak to pull a touch farther away from the Scots taking a double-digit lead with five minutes left in the half, but the Scots brought it back down to single-digits following. The Flying Dutchmen added a couple baskets on before the half, taking a 26-24 lead into the start of the second half.
After a lower scoring first half, both teams looked to adjust and find more offensive success to open the game up for either side. Each squad traded makes to begin the half, while the Scots found six quick points to cut into the lead just shortly after. Following the six-point run, Hope would continue to pressure the Scots, that the eight points they trailed by would become the closest the Scots would get for the remainder of the game. As time ticked throughout the remainder of the game, Hope slowly added onto their lead forcing Alma's offense to move fast and up-tempo. Hope ultimately would continue to find success and spoil the Scots faithful, driving away with a n80-48 score in favor of the visitors.
Heitzman was the Scots leader on offense with 16 points and seven rebounds throughout the game. Sykes and Joss Bradley each followed behind with eight points and two assists apiece. Luciano Guerrazzi brought in six rebounds in the game as well.
The 2015-16 team was also notified of their induction into the class of 2027 Alma College Hall of Fame for their memorable and remarkable run as the winningest team in program history. The team saw a 24-7 record and a final ranking of #6 in the national polls following the season. The decorated team included multiple All-Region and an All-American honoree throughout the successful run as one of the final eight teams left playing from coast to coast.
Alma will now continue their home stand with a game against the Britons of Albion College on Wednesday, February 11th. Tip off for the match is set for 7:00 PM.
