CSR(Men's basketball holds on against Alma)

CALVIN SPORTS REPORT FOR JANUARY 18, 2005

MEN'S BASKETBALL

ALMA-Josh Meckes wanted to make sure that this wasn't the year Calvin lost
at Alma. The Knights were able to hold on for slim 55-52 win Tuesday night
despite poor shooting and a strong defensive effort from the Scots. Calvin has
not lost a contest at Alma since 1989, which stretches 16 games. Calvin also
ran its overall winning streak against Alma to 12 games. With the win, Calvin
moves to 12-4 and 4-1 in the MIAA. Alma falls to 8-7 and 3-2 in the MIAA.

Meckes, the Knights sophomore center from Saginaw Valley Lutheran, had a solid
all-around game highlighted by five blocks and two alley-oop dunks. Meckes
also finished with nine points and nine rebounds as he was easily Calvin's
best defensive player. Meckes started off both halves with dunks for Calvin.

Meckes' effort highlighted an incredible defensive effort from both teams.
Alma was held to 28.8 percent shooting from the floor while Calvin was not much
better at 31.5 percent. Coach Kevin VandeStreek was impressed with his
team's defense, but also with an Alma team that usually finishes at the
bottom of the league.

Calvin went in at halftime with a slim 27-25 advantage. In the first half,
the Knights went on an 8-0 run with 11:18 left. The run was highlighted by
back-to-back three pointers by junior Kyle Trewhella(Rockford) and senior Ricky
Shilts(Kalamazoo Central).

"Alma is a much improved team; they came after us with a lot of energy
tonight. We won the game with defense and I was pleased with our whole
defensive effort."

VandeStreek was not as impressed with his team's offense however as the
Knights came out slow in both halves and never were able to find a rhythm.
"We had a very poor game offensively tonight; there is no doubt about
that. But give some of that credit to Alma, they played well."

The game came down to the final possession after Calvin failed to convert two
free throw chances with 15 seconds remaining. Alma was unable to convert on
their last possession however, and Calvin hung on for the win. "We had a
chance to put it away late and were unable to do," VandeStreek said, "but
somehow we found away to com out with the victory.

Calvin was led in scoring by senior Dan Aultman(Mason County Central) with 14
points and Andy Draayer(Denver, CO) who had 11 points off the bench. Brad
Sall(Unity Christian) also gave a good performance of the bench as he grabbed
six rebounds and had four steals.

Sophomore Anthony Jones, leading scorer in the MIAA last year, had a
double-double scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 boards for Alma. The Scots
also got 16 points from freshman Mark Barnes.

Calvin returns to action on Saturday for the 155th meeting in the storied
rivalry with Hope College at the Calvin Fieldhouse. Game time is set for
3:00.

MIAA STANDINGS THROUGH 1-18-05

Albion 4-0
Calvin 4-1
Adrian 3-1
Alma 3-2
Hope 2-2
K-Zoo 2-3
Olivet 0-4
Tri-State 0-4

Jeff Febus
Sports Information Director
Calvin College
(616) 526-6169 Office
(616) 526-8551 Fax
Received on Tue Jan 18 23:40:49 2005