Alice Lloyd Eagles win Conference Opener over Asbury 82-76
Wilmore, KY; On December 12th, the Alice Lloyd Eagles traveled to the Wilmore (KY) to open conference play against the undefeated Asbury University Eagles. In a contest marked by extreme runs, ALC prevailed 82-76.
In the first eight minutes of the first half, the visiting Eagles jumped ahead 19-11, only to watch the hosts roll off a 19-7 spurt over the next five minutes to squeak ahead, 30-26.
However, Alice Lloyd would close the half on a 17-11 burst of their own to take a 47-41 into the locker room at intermission. In the second half, the Wilmore club came out of the gate strong with a 9-3 push to regain the lead, 50-49. As they had earlier in the game, the Pippa Passes crew would explode with a blitz. This time, a 14-3 run, gave them a double-digit lead, 63-53. Unfortunately, AU refused to roll over and began to chip into the deficit. As the clock reached the five-minute mark, the Central Kentucky squad led 71-70.
During the next crucial minutes, ALC came through in the clutch. First, senior guard Noah Young scored on a tough drive to the hoop to give the Caney Creek men the lead (72-71). After holding Asbury to a miss on their next possession, Young made another big move and scored again. Then after another defensive stop, sophomore forward Damon Tobler would score on a power move. Suddenly, the visitors led by five (76-71). Alice Lloyd would precede to hold Asbury scoreless for the next four minutes, and then the guests sank enough free throws to close out the big road victory.
For ALC (6-1; 1-1 RSC), four players reached double figures. They were led on the night by Tobler with a game-high 21 points (9-13FG, 3-3FT). He added 7 rebounds. Junior forward Will Philpot had his second consecutive double-double as he scored 16 points (6-9 FG) and led everyone by snaring12 big rebounds. Junior guard Chandler Stewart and Young both reached double figures as well, with 13 and 11 points respectively. Young led the squad with 7 assists while Stewart led with 2 steals.
Alice Lloyd connected on 47.6% (30-63) from the field, and 37.5% (6-16) from long range. From the charity line, they sank 64% (16-25). Additionally, they registered 39 rebounds, 4 steals, and 14 assists.
Asbury (3-1; 0-1 RSC) was led by Leander Ridgeway with 19 points. His club connected on 42.1% (24-57) from the field and 42.9% (9-21) from long range. From the foul line, they shot 63.3% (19-30). They also had 29 rebounds, 7 steals, and 10 assists.
The Eagles are currently scheduled to return to action on Friday, December 18th. They will travel to the Palmetto state to play NCAA Sunbelt Conference big dog, Coastal Carolina University, in an exhibition match. Tipoff is set for 7:00 pm.
Due to changes made by the RSC, the schedule for the new year will be adjusted. The updated schedule will be posted shortly.