ALBION, Mich. -- In a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final minutes, the Albion College women's basketball team held off visiting Saint Mary's, 65-63, on Saturday afternoon inside of Kresge Gymnasium.

With the win, Albion improved to 10-4 overall and 3-2 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play. St. Mary's (7-9) moved to 1-5 in conference action. 

The contest featured 16 lead changes throughout as neither side built much separation. The Britons had an answer to every push from the Belles as the game wore on. A topsy-turvy first half drew to a close with the Britons ahead 32-31 following back-to-back baskets from Anna Honnen and Ava Guilford.

The second half followed a similar script to the first, as both teams ratcheted up the defensive pressure. As the conference foes traded baskets throughout the third quarter, Albion upped the defensive intensity even further in the final quarter of play. The Britons held St. Mary's to a 33.3% (4-for-12) mark from the floor in the final period and surrendered just one make from deep. 

As time wound down in the final stanza, the Brits saved their best for last. With just over three minutes to play, Albion used a 9-0 run to fully seize control from the Belles. Two straight makes from Khaleeya Cook highlighted the flurry, as Albion clinched the MIAA tilt.

Meghan Trewhella led the way for Albion with a strong all-around performance. The junior registered a double-double, her first of the season, as she finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Cook added a season-best 17 points on a tidy 66.7% (6-for-9) mark from the floor. Honnen chipped in 10 points and six boards while Guilford supplied a two way effort with eight points, seven rebounds, six steals, and four assists. 

Up Next
Albion hits the road for its next contest on Wednesday, January 14, when the Britons square-off against Trine University at 7 pm.