ALBION, Mich. – North Central College didn't want to give Albion College an opportunity to drive to the basket in the closing seconds, so Luke Walker (Cedar Springs/Cedar Springs) made the right play. Walker kicked to Alex Harville (Clinton Township/De La Salle) for a wide open 3-point shot in the corner that lifted the Britons to a 61-60 victory in the non-league contest.

"You have to have a little luck to win close games," Albion Coach Jody May admitted. "North Central missed a wide open layup. If you are fundamental, you have a chance to win.

"We had been driving the last couple possessions and they didn't want to give up a layup," May added. "Luke has made big plays in the last two games we've won. That's what seniors are supposed to do."

Albion survived a haymaker from North Central as the Cardinals went on a 16-1 run. Albion's 46-37 lead with 12 minutes left in the first half turned into a 53-47 North Central bulge in just five minutes.

North Central increased its intensity after technical fouls had been assessed to a member of both teams. C.J. Goldthree and Aaron Tiknis started the rally by completing old-fashioned three-point plays. Tiknis would add two more layups and a pair of free throws as he finished with a season-high 15 points. Vince Kmiec also banked in a 3-point goal during the run.

"Things bounced their way when they made their run," May said. "I reminded the players that we would have a good chance to win if we played defense and grabbed rebounds. We did a very good job on defense by forcing tougher shots."

Albion ripped off six quick points – Leonard Wernette-Leff (Redford/Redford Union) knocked down a hook shot, Anthony Wash (Redford/Redford Union) sank a pair of free throws, and Kolin Kazen (Holland/Saugatuck) produced a layup in transition – and neither team led by more than three down the stretch.

Mike Smith (Detroit/Crockett) was the only Albion player to score in double figures. He finished with 11 on 5-of-8 shooting from the field.

Albion will take more than a week off from competition as it concentrates on fall semester final examinations. The Britons return to action Dec. 10 with a non-league date against Carthage (Wis.) College.

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