ADRIAN, Mich. - Albion College hit 28 free throws, its most in a game since 2010, to walk off the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center court with a 65-62 victory over Adrian College.
Jordan Herron made 12-of-14 free throw opportunities and Robert Ryan was 5-for-5.
"(The free throws were a combination) of us being aggressive on offense while they play an aggressive defense," Albion Head Coach Jody May said. "I told the team we could not let them dictate the game."
Adrian made 9 of its first 10 shots as it led most of the way. Travon Johnson produced a pair of layup as the Bulldogs surged to a 17-10 lead five minutes into the game. The Bulldogs maintained the margin, leading 33-25 at halftime.
Christian Covile dialed from long distance as his three-point goal gave Adrian a double-digit lead early in the second half. Adrian still led by double figures, 41-31, on Ken Henry's layup with 13:34 left.
"Adrian played a heck of a game," May said. "To our credit, we didn't let the game get away from us. Maybe they had chances to put us away, but they didn't."
Fouls mounted against Adrian, however, putting Albion in the bonus for the final nine minutes. Herron and Travell Oakes produced three points from the line and Dakota Kazen buried a three-point basket to pull Albion within a point, 47-46, with 7:21 left.
Albion forged a tie at 52 on Ryan's three-point basket, and the Britons took their first lead when Herron hit a pair from the line to make the score 55-54 with 3:17 to play.
The lead changed three times until Albion took the lead for good on a pair of free throws by Jaylen Fordham with 42 seconds left.
Albion got a important defensive stop when Oakes poked the ball from Johnson with 25 seconds left.
Herron completed his sixth double-double of the season with 18 points and 12 rebounds. He also matched his season high in assists with five.
Ryan, who hit 5-of-10 shots from the field, added 17 points.
Covile led all players with 20 points. Rickey Jackson added 10 points for the Bulldogs.
Albion, winners of three straight to improve to 8-7 overall and 3-1 against Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association rivals, sits a game behind Alma College in the league standings. The Britons' next game is a Wednesday night date at Olivet College.