ALBION, Mich. – After a number of close calls against nationally ranked opponents, Albion College picked up its signature win of the season Wednesday night.
Robert Ryan hit a pair of 3-point shots to lead a rally from eight points down as the Britons scored a 71-66 victory over 14th-ranked Alma College at Kresge Gymnasium.
"Our half-court defense is pretty good," Albion Head Coach Jody May said after his team won its fifth in a row to improve to 14-10 overall and 9-4 against MIAA rivals. "It's about playing Alma in the half court and not letting them get going in transition. They missed some shots down the stretch, we hit some shots and that was the difference in the game.
"We've played a lot of ranked teams, especially in the non-conference," May added. "It's a big win for our program. We are getting momentum at the end of the year. This team believes in itself."
Dakota Kazen's broke a 62-all tie with a minute left. Albion protected the lead as Jordan Herron added a layup and Ryan converted four opportunities from the free throw line.
Jason Beckham produced a pair of baskets to spark a 7-0 run as Alma seized its largest lead of the night, 53-45, with 9 ½ minutes to play.
Alma shot 51 percent for the game, but it went 1-for-5 during a critical stretch as Albion mounted its rally.
Nate Collins drilled a 3-point basket to give Albion a 55-54 lead with five minutes left and neither team led by more than five from that point.
Ryan, who was 4-for-4 from 3-point range, produced his second 20-point game of the season. Collins gave Albion a boost off the bench with a career-high 19 points.
Jordan Herron produced his 10th double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds. He also dished out eight assists. Herron moved into second place on Albion's all-time rebounding list and needs 26 to become the leader.
Scott Nikodemski led Alma with 16 points.
Albion will complete the regular season Saturday at Trine University.
