BLUFFTON, Ohio – The final game of 2023 ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Albion College men's basketball team. With 0.7 seconds remaining, Bluffton University hit the game-winning 3-pointer to defeat the Britons 70-68 in the championship game of the Bluffton Holiday Classic. 

Albion was led by sophomore Kam Mayes, whose explosive second half earned him 18 points and seven rebounds. Marco Lucchesi remained hot — especially down the stretch — scoring 16 for the Brits. 

With 10 points and 14 rebounds, AJ Barden turned in another double-double. 

The Beavers took a slim six point lead into halftime, as the game remained tight knit for the entire contest. After 20 minutes of action, Bluffton was ahead 40-34. 

Sparked by an and-one from Mayes, the Britons made a run midway through the second half. Only building a lead as large as four points, the teams continued to trade leads for the remainder of the game. 

Down 67-63, Lucchesi nailed a three to put the Britons within one. After a stop, he split a pair of free throws, giving Albion a 68-67 lead with 13 seconds on the clock. At the other end, Bluffton's last-second three went in, securing the win for the home team. 

The Britons will host No. 2 Calvin University on Jan. 4 for a 7:30 p.m. game.