To secure the victory, Albion had to overcome its worst shooting performance this season. The Britons connected on just 36 percent of their shots from the field (24 of 66) and 54 percent of their attempts from the free throw line (12 of 22). Compounding matters was Linfield's 53 percent shooting from the field (23 of 43) and 50 percent marksmanship from three-point range (7 of 14), both season-best figures for an Albion opponent this season.
Part of Albion's shooting woes could be attributed to the Linfield defense having a block party. The Wildcats swatted 11 Briton shots, with 6-8 forward/center Sam Kreiger collecting five blocks and 6-8 forward Chris Lewis rejecting four.
Albion was aided by a plus-8 advantage in rebounding. The Britons grabbed 38 rebounds, with 17 coming on the offensive end.
Junior Brandon Crawford was the only Briton to fare better than 50 percent from the field, hitting 9 of 14 shots from the field for a team-high 18 points. Crawford also pulled down eight rebounds. Senior forward Travis DePree turned in his third double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds. DePree also dished out six assists and collected four steals. Junior guard Mike Bailey scored 10 points on 3 of 6 shooting from the field and 3 of 3 shooting at the free throw line.
Albion trailed 61-60 when it called timeout with 17 seconds remaining in the game. Crawford scored a field goal and was fouled with eight seconds on the clock. Crawford missed the free throw, but DePree grabbed the offensive rebound before being fouled. DePree sank both free throws to put the Britons ahead 64-61.
Linfield connected on 6 of 10 shots from three-point range in the second half, so Albion committed a foul with 2.5 seconds remaining to avoid allowing the Wildcats an opportunity to send the game into overtime. The Linfield player made the first free throw, and an Albion played grabbed the rebound as the second shot was deliberately missed.
Blake Shelton scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Wildcats (4-5 overall). Kreiger and Lewis added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Albion (10-0 overall) begins Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Wednesday, Jan. 5, when it welcomes Olivet College to Kresge Gymnasium for a 7:30 p.m. game.
LINFIELD COLLEGE (4-5) Blake Shelton 6-11 4-5 19; Sam Kreiger 5-11 2-2 12; Chris Lewis 4-6 1-2 11; Jon Hildebrandt 3-6 1-2 7; Ryan Monagle 2-3 0-0 4; Eric Hefferon 1-1 1-2 4; Casey Kushiyama 1-3 0-0 3; Joe Wells 1-1 0-0 2; Derek Ellerbrook 0-0 0-0 0; Jeremy Goodman 0-0 0-2 0; Matt Mishler 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 23-43 9-15 62. ALBION COLLEGE (10-0) Brandon Crawford 9-14 0-2 18; Travis DePree 5-17 5-8 15; Mike Bailey 3-6 3-3 10; Mike Thomas 2-9 3-4 8; Zak Silas 3-7 0-0 7; Lonny Fulse 1-3 1-5 3; Garrett Gibbons 1-5 0-0 3; Evan Way 0-1 0-0 0; Will Braaksma 0-2 0-0 0; Rick Palmer 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 24-66 12-22 64. Linfield College.............. 23 39 - 62 Albion College................ 26 38 - 64 3-point goals-Linfield College 7-14 (Blake Shelton 3-6; Chris Lewis 2-3; Casey Kushiyama 1-3; Eric Hefferon 1-1; Jon Hildebrandt 0-1), Albion College 4-12 (Mike Bailey 1-2; Zak Silas 1-2; Mike Thomas 1-2; Garrett Gibbons 1-3; Rick Palmer 0-2; Lonny Fulse 0-1). Fouled out--Linfield College-Chris Lewis, Albion College-None. Rebounds-Linfield College 30 (Chris Lewis 7; Blake Shelton 7), Albion College 38 (Travis DePree 12). Assists-Linfield College 11 (Jon Hildebrandt 3), Albion College 15 (Travis DePree 6). Total fouls-Linfield College 15, Albion College 16. A-486