ALBION, Mich. -- It's not how you start, it's how you finish.
Despite holding the lead for just 4:39 of game time on Saturday afternoon, the Albion College men's basketball team dug deep to earn an 80-78 win over the visiting Bulldogs of Adrian College.
Facing a six-point deficit with seven minutes to play, the Britons rattled off a game-defining 11-0 run that spanned close to five minutes to seize the lead for good at 76-71.
Malachi Hooser II kick-started the run with a big three-pointer, while
Kam Mayes chipped in four points as Albion clawed its way back into the lead.
As the game wound down,
Truman King knocked down a trey, seemingly putting the game out of reach at 80-75 with 25 ticks left on the clock. A second-chance three from the Bulldogs, however, pulled the visitors within two with six seconds left.
Adrian forced a turnover to set up one final shot, but a stingy defensive effort on the part of the Brits forced the Bulldogs' shot off course to seal the win.
Michael Umeh led the way for Albion as five Britons scored in double figures. The senior posted his sixth double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Umeh also registered a season-best four blocks as he patrolled the paint.
Kam Mayes added 14 points and six boards, while
Mason Brodi and
Truman King each tallied 12 points, knocking down a combined five three-pointers. Hooser rounded out the Britons in double-figures with 10 points and a game-high five assists.
Up Next
The Britons head to Holland, Michigan, to battle Hope College on Wednesday, January 28. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.
