Albion, MI - Playing without senior Willie Pickvet was too much for SAU to overcome on Tuesday night as the Cougars dropped a 57-49 decision to the Albion College Britons. Pickvet, who has recorded three double-doubles in his last four games including a 25 point, 10 rebound performance on Saturday was not cleared to play due to a broken nose he suffered during the victory over Olivet College.

Sophomore Chris Bellamy scored 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds to lead Spring Arbor (7-7, 2-1) while Matt Howe and DJ Baisden chipped in with 12 points and 11 points respectively. SAU shot just 38 percent from the field including 10 percent from behind the arc. Albion College (4-3, 0-0) shot the ball marginally better at 42% from the field at 33% from three point range.

The Cougars built an early 5 point lead, 19-14, with 4:36 to go in the first half but Albion went on an 11-0 run to finish out the first half to lead SAU 25-19.

"We competed hard and fought to the end but we sorely missed Willie's presence and production, Coach Ryan Cottingham said. "I commend Albion for a well played game. Coach May does a really nice job with his team."

The Cougars return to action on Friday night when they play Marygrove College in the opening game of the Madonna University Tournament.