Eagles Comeback Bid Falls Short at Midway University

Midway, KY: The Alice Lloyd Eagles reduced a fifteen-point halftime deficit to one late in the game, but could not complete the deal as they dropped an 80-76 River States Conference matchup to the homestanding Midway University Eagles. The game took place on Saturday, January 28th.

The Pippa Passes Eagles came out ice cold, as they scored just two points in the opening 6:30 of the matchup. Because of thisfrigid shooting, Midway was able to race out to a 15-2 lead.

In need of a spark, ALC junior Ben Soumahoro come up huge. The forward came off the bench to pump in 14 first-half points as he helped the Pippa Passes club slice the deficit to seven (35-28). Unfortunately, Midway would hit two late bombs and close the half on an 8-0 run. They would lead 43-28 at intermission.

In the second half, the squads would exchange points until Alice Lloyd senior forward Will Philpot heated up. His two bombs sparked a rally as the visitors refused to go away. Eventually, when junior guard Jared Strickland drained a jumper with 5:55 remaining, ALC only trailed 60-59.

With just 1:28 showing, and the hosts clinging to a 72-70 cushion, they would score on a post move (74-70). On the next possession, the Caney crew would actually get two good looks from behind the arc, but both rimmed out. MU would then ice the game with six charity tosses.

For Alice Lloyd (11-11; 5-7 RSC), they would place three in double-figures. Soumahoro led the way with 16 points. Philpotscored 15 points and grabbed 9 boards. Strickland added 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. 

In addition, freshman guard Koji Anderson chipped in with 9 points and 3 steals, while senior guard Bryce Slone also added 3 assists.

ALC shot just 39.1% (27-69) from the field, including 28.6% (6-21) from behind the arc. They sank 66.7% (16-24) from the foul line and added 46 rebounds, 10 assists, 6 steals, and 4 blocks.

For Midway (13-8; 8-4 RSC), Miller and Keeton both scored 18points. Their club shot 40% (26-65) from the floor and 47% (8-17) from behind the arc. They hit 66.7% (20-30) from the foul line, and also added 45 rebounds, 12 assists, 9 blocks, and 3steals. 

ALC returns to action next week in a conference road trip to Pittsburg (PA) for two contests. On Thursday, February 2nd , they will face the Carlow Celtics at 7:30pm. They then face the Point Park Pioneers on Saturday February 4th, at 3:00pm.