HOLLAND, Mich. – Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player Scott Nikodemski scored four points and dished out an assist to spark an 11-2 run as Alma College pulled away for a 77-64 victory over Albion College in a semifinal game of the league tournament at DeVos Fieldhouse.
Jordan Herron's layup gave Albion a 20-19 lead with 6:16 left in the first half.
The lead didn't last long as Jason Beckman knocked down a 3-point basket and free throw on Alma's next trip down the floor. He added another jumper to spark the run as Alma seized a 34-23 lead with three minutes left in the first half.
Alma went on to lead by 11, 39-28, at halftime.
Chase Fairchild, Doug Bradfield and Jason Beckman hit from 3-point range early in the second half as Alma extended the margin to 17.
"They did a good job offensively," Albion Head Coach Jody May said after the Britons ended the season at 14-12. "We let our (struggle on) offense dictate what we were doing on the defensive end. Alma took advantage of our mistakes."
Albion, which didn't make a 3-point shot in the first half, made a run as Nate Collins hit three from long distance. The Britons trailed 60-52 with nine minutes left, but that was as close as they would get.
Seniors Jordan Herron and Travell Oakes, who were announced as all-MIAA second team picks, combined for 41 of Albion's points.
Herron produced his 11th double-double of the season with a career-high 25 points and 13 rebounds. He finishes his career with 813 rebounds, second-most all-time at Albion.
Oakes chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds. He leaves with 535 rebounds, 10th-most all-time at Albion.
"We had a game plan to put the ball in their hands and they did a great job of being aggressive," May said. "They had great careers at Albion. Nobody expects much out of post players who stand 6-4 and 6-5. They left it on the floor. They are a great example of rebounding being about will and determination."
Dakota Kazen, a third senior, also completed his collegiate career with the Britons.
The bench led Alma as Jason Beckman scored 23 and Kevin Gamble added 12. D.J. Beckman led the Alma starters with 12.
