ALBION, Mich. – Albion College's hopes of forging a tie for second place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association were damaged in a 70-62 loss to Saint Mary's College at Kresge Gymnasium.

Saint Mary's extended its defense on the perimeter and Albion struggled to get in sync. Saint Mary's led 27-8 on Kelley Murphy's basket with 8 ½ minutes left in the first half. Taylor Nugent came to the rescue for Albion, scoring 11 points as the Britons cut the margin to eight, 31-23, at halftime.

Nicole Dennis scored 10 of her 14 points to lead Albion on a 14-2 tear to start the second half. Lauren Epple's baskets put Albion on top by five with less than 13 minutes remaining, but Albion was never able to pull away.

The score was tied at 53 with 5:09 left, but Saint Mary's closed the game on a 17-9 run. Murphy collected her fifth double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Jessica Centa matched her career high 2ith 18 points.

Dennis and Nugent paced Albion with 14 points apiece. Patty Rewa finished with 10 points.

Albion hosts Rochester College in non-league action at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.