ALMA, Mich. - Four players scored double-digit points led by Jessica Centa's 18 points as the Saint Mary's basketball team defeated Alma 82-72 on Saturday afternoon.

The Belles broke an 8-8 tie less than six minutes into the game with five straight points in a minute to go up 13-8. Alma responded by out-scoring 8-2 to go up 16-15 on a three-point play with 11:05 to go in the first half. Saint Mary's, however, quickly regained the lead and would extend that advantage to 14 at 37-23 just three minutes before the half. The Scots closed out the opening 20 minutes with a 13-2 run as the Belles took a 39-36 lead into the half.

Saint Mary's extended their lead to double-digits at the 14:31 mark in the second half. From that point on, the Belles would maintain control of the game despite the Scots' efforts to pull the upset. Alma would not be able to get within fewer than eight points of Saint Mary's over the remainder of the contest as the Belles claimed the 82-72 victory.

Junior Jessica Centa matched her career-high with an 18 point performance to lead four players for Saint Mary's in double-digit scoring. Maggie Ronan once again was in double-digit scoring by adding 16 points. Kelley Murphy posted her seventh double-double of the season with a 15 point, 11 rebound effort. Patsy Mahoney rounded out the 10+ point scoring group with 10 points in the win. Liz Wade had six assists and shared game-high honors with four steals.

Saint Mary's (14-6, 7-4 MIAA) will return home to face #3 nationally ranked Hope College on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Angela Athletic Facility.