ALBION, Mich. – Albion College outscored Alma College by 27 points in the second and third quarters to pull away for a 71-40 victory in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association women's basketball action inside Kresge Gymnasium.

Alma scored the final six points of the first quarter to forge a tie at 9, and the teams traded 3-point baskets as the score was tied at 12 early in the second quarter.

Emily Bernas produced two baskets and a free throw and Rain Hinton delivered a layup and two free throws as Albion reeled off a 14-0 run and never looked back.

"We were good defensively all game and we did a better job of not settling for outside shots," Albion head coach Doreen Carden said. "We did a better job of running in transition and not settling for 3-point shots."

The highlight of the day, however, was the season debut of senior guard Catie Neary. She returned to game action for the first time since scoring 11 points in a Dec. 3 victory over MIAA rival Saint Mary's College last season.

Neary finished with seven points against the Scots, hitting 2-of-3 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line.

"She has been practicing hard and she pushes everybody (to be better)," Carden said. "I thought she played really well for being out of the lineup for more than a year."

Hinton and Evelyn Wischmeyer led Albion's starting unit with 12 points apiece, and Brittany Leutz chipped in with 10.

Alma's Jeny Brandt led all players with 16 points.

Albion (11-4 overall, 5-2 MIAA) continues to play at home at 7:30 Wednesday night against Trine University.

Follow the Britons on Twitter: @AlbionWBB