ALMA, MI – The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team lost a disappointing 74-69 overtime game to the Alma College Scots on Saturday evening. The Cougars erased a 37-25 halftime deficit and led by four points with three minutes to play but the Scots would not go away as they tied the game 65-65 with under 30 seconds remaining.
Senior Chris Bellamy who finished with a game-high 23 points was unable to convert on a driving lay-up with under two seconds to go and then a shot off the out-of-bounds play by senior Matt Howe who finished with 18 points was off the mark.
In overtime, Spring Arbor jumped out to a 69-65 lead but would not score again and Alma connected on a 3-pointer with 24 seconds to play to take their first lead of the extra session 72-69. A missed three point attempt by Bellamy with 10 seconds remaining forced the Cougars to foul and the Scots would convert two free throws to secure the victory.
Bellamy and junior Rob Hogans each recorded 10 rebounds as Spring Arbor dominated the glass 47-28.
"We were our own worst enemy as we had too many unforced turnovers in key situations and missed way too many easy shots at point blank range," said Coach Ryan Cottingham. "You've got to put teams away when you have the chance and we didn't do that. I was pleased with our effort in the second half but we are still lacking consistency over 40 minutes."
The Cougars return home on Thursday night when they host long-time rival Albion College. Tip-Off is schedule for 7:00pm. SAU and the Parma Lions Club have again partnered to assist families in the area during the Christmas season by requiring a canned food item for admission.
