BLUFFTON, Ohio – Caden Ebeling achieved his third double-double in the last four games, but he alone wasn't able to power Albion College to victory over Bluffton University in the title game of the McDonald's Holiday Tournament.
Albion was cold from the perimeter – making one basket from 3-point range – as it absorbed a 73-63 setback.
Ebeling scored 16 points in eight minutes as Albion turned a nine-point deficit into a five-point lead at halftime. A junior from Shelby Township, Mich., who prepped at Utica High School, Ebeling produced 22 of Albion's 37 first-half points.
Jaylin Fordham supported Ebeling with a basket and three free throws during the late first half run. Fordham finished the night with 13 points and eight rebounds.
Albion shot 39 percent from the field in the second half as it was outscored by 15.
Bluffton started the second half with a 17-4 run. Dezman Brown hit a trio from 3-point range and Andrew Renner contributed two baskets and a pair of free throws.
Fordham, Ebeling and Jamezell Davis, Jr. all scored as Albion pulled within six, 59-53, with seven minutes left, but that was as close as the Britons would get.
Of Note
- Ebeling finished with a career-high 31 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. He knocked down 9-of-12 shots from the field and on 13-of-15 from the free throw line.
- Ebeling and Davis represented Albion as all-tournament picks
- Bluffton placed three players in double figures. Renner (22) and Brown (21) combined to shoot 7-of-10 from 3-point range, while Jameel Cosby chipped in with 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Next Up
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association action begins Thursday (Jan. 3) when the Britons play host to Olivet College. The tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside Kresge Gymnasium.
At 7-4, Albion has its best non-league record since 2014 when the Britons were 7-3 prior to the start of MIAA action.
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