ALBION, Mich. – Albion College ripped off a 9-2 run over the final 3 ½ minutes to keep its hopes of a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament berth by taking down Calvin College, 69-62.

"We just beat the second place team in the league. That should tell you where we're at," Head Coach Jody May said after his team improved to 6-14 overall and 3-6 against MIAA rivals.

Aquavius Burks' 3-point basket broke a 60-60 tie.

Albion forged a 66-62 lead on Corey Wheeler's and-one with 37 seconds left.

The Britons left the door open as they missed three of their next four opportunities from the line. Jason Zahran preserved the lead by collecting important rebounds and steals down the stretch. Zahran's stat line included eight points, nine rebounds and a pair of steals.

"I'm pleased we finally closed one down the stretch," May said. "We've lost a lot of close games. We made some defensive stops that were really important."

The game tightened after Albion was unable to extend the double digit lead in gained late in the first half. Dylan Bennett hit a pair of 3-point shots as Albion led, 37-27, with less than two minutes left before halftime.

Calvin forged a tie at 51 when Michael Wilks knocked down a 3-point shot midway through the second half.

The score was tied at 53, 56 and 60 before Albion went on its decisive run.

Wheeler finished with 25 points for his fifth 20-point game of the season. Burks and Darius Branch provided support with nine points apiece.

Calvin had three starters in double figures, led by Cam Denney with 19.

Next up for Albion is a Saturday home date with Kalamazoo College. The game follows a 3 o'clock women's game between Albion and Adrian College.