ALBION, Mich. - Albion College responded to the challenge issued by Head Coach Jody May after a 27-point loss on the opening night of Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play and it nearly ended a four-game skid Saturday.
Albion stood toe-to-toe with Calvin College at Kresge Gymnasium, but the Knights' experience was the difference as they escaped with a 66-63 victory over the Britons. The game featured 12 lead changes and the score was tied nine times.
"I'm really proud of the guys because the last two days have not been easy for them (after the 81-54 loss at Olivet College Thursday night)," May said. "I challenged them and they responded. I told them after then game that I'm going to hold them to a higher level of expectation.
"I was emotional because I thought we did a lot of really great things to win the game," May added. "I think, in the end, Calvin has some older players that made some shots down the stretch."
May said the Britons defended well, and the Knights had to shoot 50 percent in the second half just to hit 40 percent for the game.
Neither team led by more than six in the contest. Ryan Watson came off the bench to bury a pair of 3-point shots and Anthony Wash tacked on a jumper in the lane as Albion held a 14-8 lead midway through the first half.
Calvin forged a tie at 28 at halftime and neither team led by more than four in the second half. Albion led 55-52 when Wash knocked down a 3-point shot with 4 ½ minutes to play. Tom Snikkers and Jordan Brink scored second-chance baskets as the Knights edged in front, 57-55, with three minutes left.
Jordan Herron's basket with 1:56 left gave Albion its final lead of the day at 59-58. The teams traded baskets (Brink answered with a 3-point basket on the Knights' next possession, and Mike Smith finished a layup for Albion) to send the game into the final minute tied at 61.
Snikkers, Mickey DeVries and Brink combined to make 5-of-6 free throws in the final 21 seconds for the Knights.
Snikkers produced a season-high 24 points, making 9-of-14 shots from the field. Brink added 16.
Herron led the Britons with 12 points and seven rebounds. Wash and Eric Evans chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively.