KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Lawrence Ridgell knocked down a 3-point basket with 7 ½ minutes remaining to give Albion College the lead for good as the Britons went on to score a 87-81 victory over Kalamazoo College on the opening night of Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association men's basketball action.
Ridgell's shot produced the 19th and final lead change in the contest as it put the Britons on top 67-65. Carter Elliott and Ridgell tacked on layups and Jordan Herron added a free throw as the Britons forged a 72-65 lead with 5 ½ minutes to play.
Kalamazoo cut the margin to four a few times down the stretch, but Albion never surrendered the lead.
Zach Hurth knocked down a 3-point shot as Albion led by as many as eight, 24-16 midway through the first half. Kalamazoo responded to earn a 42-40 lead at halftime.
Kalamazoo was leading 50-45 in the second half when Albion made its move as Ridgell scored a basket and free throw and Jordan Herron knocked down a shot to forge a tie at 50. Ridgell led Albion with 14 points and Herron produced a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Travell Oakes and Eric Evans chipped in off the bench with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Kalamazoo's Adam Peters led all players with 21 points.
Albion, 7-5 overall, will go in search of another league win Saturday when it challenges Alma College inside Kresge Gymnasium. The contest follows a 3 o'clock women's game between Albion and Trine University.