ALBION, Mich. - Albion College had to protect its home court Wednesday night if it hopes to earn a berth in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Men's Basketball Tournament in February.
First-year guard Jaylin Fordham produced 14 of his 21 points in the second half as Albion erased an eight-point halftime deficit in achieving a 74-65 victory.
Albion clamped down on Jared Holmquist and Ellis Cummings who combined for 19 of Trine's 39 first half points. Holmquist added eight points in the second half to finish with 21 for the night, but Cummings did not score in the second half.
"Trine was more aggressive and physical and played with a sense of urgency in the first half," Albion Head Coach Jody May said. "They looked like a team that wants to make a run in the second round (of league play).
"We didn't follow the scouting report in the first half," May added. "The players decided to do what they were supposed to do."
Fordham produced eight points – hitting a pair of 3-point shots and a pair from the line – over the first 3 ½ minutes of the second half to pull Albion within one. Travell Oakes scored layups on consecutive possessions as Albion forged its first lead of the night, 45-44, with 13:35 to play.
Trine did not wilt, however, as it led, 59-56, on Will Dixon's layup with seven minutes left.
Jordan Herron and Dakota Kazen produced baskets during a 5-0 run as Albion seized the lead for good, 63-60, with four minutes left. Albion made its free throws down the stretch to protect the lead.
Corey Wheeler provided Albion with a boost off the bench, hitting 5-of-7 shots from the field for 14 points. Oakes added 11 points and seven rebounds. Herron scored seven to become the 20th player in Albion history to reach the 1,000-point milestone.
Albion (9-9 overall, 4-3 MIAA) begins the second round of league play Saturday with a home game against Hope College. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.
