North Manchester, Ind. - The Manchester University Men's Basketball team hosted Albion College in their season opener.

The Spartans were able to overcome a 14 point deficit to defeat the Britons and start the season 1-0.

Manchester 79, Albion 72

Albion College got things started early and fast going up 23-9 in the first ten minutes of the game, but a strong finish to the first half saw the Black and Gold only down four points at halftime. 

Once again the Britons came out strong building back up to a 11 point lead but the Spartans responded with a huge second half from Logan Willoughby (Greenwood, Ind., Whiteland Community) and Zach Sawyer (Columbus, Ohio, Bishop Watterson) on the offensive end and a big spark off the bench from Ladarius Wallace (Jeff. Ind., Rock Creek Community Academy) who finished with four 3 pointers. The Spartans got their first lead of the game with five minutes to go in the second half and never gave it up, winning the game 79-72.

Logan Willoughby and Zach Sawyer led the way in scoring with 26 and 24 points while Sawyer led the teams with nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Ladarius Wallace finished with 12 points and four assists.

The Spartans next match up comes this Friday as they travel to Tiffin, OH to take on Heidelberg University.