SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – On his birthday, Cortez Garland scored a season-high 27 points as the Albion College men's basketball team dominated Franklin College, 81-54 in the first day of the Wittenberg Holiday Classic. Albion improves to 3-5 overall on the young season, navigating long delays between contests due to final exams. 

Junior Ken Thomas registered his first career double-double, scoring 20 points and bringing down 12 rebounds – both career-highs. 

Additionally, Garland dished out four assists and had four steals. 

Off to an 8-0 run out of the gate, Albion commanded the game from the start. Five points came from Garland, including a three that came via an offensive board by Devin Holmes to keep the possession alive. 

With Franklin settling in, neither team could find true momentum for most of the half, until the final minutes when the Britons went on a quick run. 

A Thomas layup was followed by a steal from Chanse Crittendon, leading to another transition bucket from Thomas. On the next Albion possession, Crittendon knocked down a 3-pointer from Khy Winston, giving the Britons a 36-19 lead with 2:16 in the first half. Crittendon scored 11 points in the win. 

A late three by the Grizzlies cut the lead to 15 at the half. 

Franklin would cut the lead to 10 points before Albion responded with an explosive 12-0 run, inflating the lead to 51-29. Thomas, Garland and Fred Garland were all keys to that run, pushing the Britons to a 20-plus lead with 14 minutes to play. 

The Grizzlies were unable to make any type of run, as the Britons would hold a commanding lead for the remainder of the contest. 

Albion shot 56 percent from three, thanks largely to the efficiency of Crittendon. 

With Thomas having a career night, the Britons controlled the inside game, outscoring Franklin in the paint, 40-14.

Albion will face off against host Wittenberg tomorrow evening for the championship. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.