ALBION, Mich. – Albion College shot 3-for-13 over the final 10 minutes as it came away with a 79-71 loss to Trine University in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association men's basketball action.
The loss snaps Albion's four-game winning streak. The Britons (11-5 overall, 4-1 MIAA) are tied with Trine and Olivet College atop the MIAA standings.
"It was a good, old-fashioned MIAA game," Albion Head Coach Jody May said. "We played unbelievably great defense in the first half, but we just couldn't get enough stops in the second half. I loved the effort of our guys.
MJ Barnes and Jaylin Fordham hit 3-point baskets on consecutive possessions as Albion landed the first punch, leading 25-12 midway through the first half.
Albion continued to pour it on – ArShawn Parker scored from 3-point range, Caden Ebeling added a second chance basket and Parker hit the second of two free throws – as the margin ballooned to 34-17.
Albion cooled off late in the first half – it made one of its last nine shots – and it settled for a 37-29 lead at halftime.
Albion scored on consecutive possessions early in the second half – Ebeling converted a layup and Nathaniel Collins dialed up from 3-point range – as Albion extended the margin to 13.
Trine shot 57 percent in the second half as Albion could not get a stop on the defensive end.
Fordham led all players with 17 points. Ebeling finished his fifth double-double of the season with 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds. Collins and Parker chipped in with 12 points apiece.
Langston Johnson led Trint with 16 points and seven assists.
Albion will finish a three-game homestand with a 3 o'clock Saturday contest against Calvin College.
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