Albion Holds Off Second-Half Surge for MIAA Win 

Photo By Abby Sheklow
Photo By Abby Sheklow

ALBION, Mich. - In their first home game in two weeks, Albion holds off a second-half surge from Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opponent Hope with a final score of 76-68. It was an early eight-point lead for the Britons that proved to be the deciding factor in tonight's contest.  

Just under a month ago, Albion traveled to Holland and defeated Hope 84-70 in the first contest of the season. This loss was undoubtedly still in the heads of the Fighting Dutch as they didn't let up despite a 14 point deficit at the half.

Quinton Armstrong led the Britons with 16 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. It was a well-rounded performance from the Britons with four players scoring in double figures. Caden Ebeling was a perfect 7-7 from the field and was one rebound shy of another double-double performance. Jamezell Davis Jr. added 14 while sophomore guard Cortez Garland added 13.   

"The overwhelming support we have from our students and fans is truly something special. It feels like a true home-court advantage," said Head Coach Jody May. It is games like these that the Britons are happy to be home. Zero lead changes are misleading as Hope brought it within five at the five-minute mark of the second half. 19-22 from the free-throw line, which included 6-6 in the last 25 seconds, helped seal the victory.   

"You are going to get everybody's best shot. If you let a team play harder than you… you are in trouble. It doesn't matter who you play, and it doesn't matter what the score was the last time you played," was Jody May's message to the team after tonight's victory.   

This is certainly going to be the mentality for the Britons going forward. After an undefeated first round of the MIAA, every team will be gunning for the Britons in the second half of the season. Albion has five MIAA games remaining before they set their sights on the MIAA-Tournament.   

Albion's next challenge will come at home on Saturday at 3:00 PM against a 4-5 Alma College squad. Albion improves to 9-0 in the MIAA and sits two games ahead of Trine for first in the MIAA. Alma is tied for fourth and competing for a spot in the MIAA Tournament.   

Briton Notes

  • Albion outshoots Hope 49.1% to 36.4% and goes 26-53 from the field

  • Britons won the rebound battle 37-36 while converting on 30 points in the paint

  • Cortez Garland led the Britons with five assists while Caden Ebeling dished out four

For the latest information on the team, follow @AlbionMBB on Twitter and Instagram. General athletics news can also be found @gobrits on Twitter, AlbionAthletics on Instagram and Albion College Athletics on Facebook.

Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality at Albion College. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated competition facility for the volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball teams that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.

The College is continuing to raise funds in support of both projects. To learn more, call 517/629-0446 or email advancement@albion.edu