St. Petersburg, FL- The Mount Saint Mary College Knights men's basketball team tipped off their two-game Florida road trip with a 54-77 defeat to the Alma College Scots on Friday afternoon. In a physical battle, the Knights displayed a spirited second-half comeback but ultimately fell short against a potent Alma attack.

Head Coach Ryan Kadlubowski acknowledged the tough opening while expressing confidence in his team's resilience, stating, "It was good to get back on the court after a brief hiatus. Alma presented a challenging matchup with their physicality, but we adjusted well in the second half and competed fiercely. I'm pleased with our response and eager to get back on the court tomorrow."

Alma established early control, dictating the tempo and pace in the first half. Their aggressive interior play yielded 22 points in the paint compared to the Knights' 8, contributing to a 17-point halftime lead. Despite the offensive struggles, Elijah Barnett, making his season debut, provided a spark with a seven-point, six-rebound performance.

The second half showcased a transformed Knights squad. Fueled by a renewed defensive intensity, Jayden Figueroa (10 points, 14 rebounds) and Ryan Graham (7 points) spearheaded the comeback effort, chipping away at the deficit and pulling Mount Saint Mary within striking distance. However, Alma countered with timely baskets to maintain their cushion and secure the victory.

Although the scoreboard reflected a loss, the Knights' second-half display and Barnett's impactful return served as positive takeaways. Coach Kadlubowski's postgame message emphasized the team's unwavering determination and their eagerness to bounce back with a strong showing in their next outing.

Stat leaders for the Knights:
•    Points: Jayden Figueroa (10)
•    Rebounds: Jayden Figueroa (14)
•    Assists: Connor Cyran (2)
•    Steals: Ryan Graham (2)

The Knights have a quick turnaround, facing the University of Lynchburg tomorrow at 3:00 PM. This matchup presents another formidable challenge, but Mount Saint Mary's second-half resurgence against Alma offers a glimpse of their potential and fuels their optimism for a successful outcome on the road.