ALMA, Mich. – Albion College Head Coach Doreen Carden could not answer why the Britons got off to a sluggish start Saturday, but she did say the early 10-point deficit was an important reason why the Britons came away with a 62-55 loss at Alma College.

Alma had five players produce baskets as it jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the first 5 ½ minutes of the contest.

"We didn't come out strong as we usually do," Carden said. "We did a good job of battling back, but down the stretch we didn't find ways to get stops on the defensive end and rebounds."

Albion eventually got some stops on the defensive end and that helped it chip away at the deficit. Oreyana Curry scored a layup, Mikaela Bromley knocked down a 3-point shot and Erin Nelson tacked on a jumper as the Britons ripped off a 7-0 run to trail 18-16 with 5 ½ minutes left in the first half.

That was as close as Albion would get in the first half. Mallory Pruett produced four points and Raeanna Zink added an old-fashioned three-point play as Alma regained a 10-point lead, 29-19, with 1:35 left in the first half. Alma settled for a 31-25 lead at halftime.

Olivia Savage scored five points as Albion went on a 14-6 surge. The Britons forged their first lead of the day when Savage made a pair of free throws to make the score 45-44 with 8 ½ minutes left.

The score was tied six times down the stretch until Grace Wheeler took over for Alma. She scored two baskets as the Scots built a 58-54 lead with 1:28 left. Zink and Pruett tacked on two free throws each.

Zink led all players with 21 points. Pruett and Wheeler added 10 apiece for the Scots.

Darian Payne, Albion's leading scorer, produced 11 of her 13 points in the first half. Nelson played a supporting role with 10 points.

Next Up

 Albion will play its next three games against non-league rivals. The Britons have a Wednesday home date against Spring Arbor University. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.