Alice Lloyd Eagles Open 2023-24 Basketball Season with Victory

Pippa Passes, KY: On October 28th, the Alice Lloyd College Eagles, under the guidance of Scott Cornett, opened the 2023-24 basketball season by hosting the Welch College Flames. The contest was a roller coaster affair, as the Eagles overcame an early double-digit deficit, led by as many as 18 in the second half, and eventually were forced to hold on for the 91-88 victory.

The youthful Eagles were tight early, which enabled the veteran Flames to jump out to an 18-8 cushion in the opening five minutes. However, sparked by the balanced scoring of the Caney Creek crew and good play off the bench, ALC roared back. They eventually would head into the locker room for intermission, leading 51-43. Five Eagles had at least 8 points at that juncture.

In the second half, ALC guard Jared Strickland would catch fire and drain three deep bombs. His third consecutive swish would lift Alice Lloyd to their largest lead of the night, 64-46, and the Eagles seemed home free. However, Welch would gradually chip into the deficit, sparked by the 1-2 scoring punch of Tyler Erdman and Tony Gaines.

Strickland would do his best to help ALC stay on top as he poured in a total of 25 points in the final twenty minutes. Despite his marksmanship, WC would utilize the scoring of their two big guns to creep back, eventually getting within three, 89-86, with just 20 ticks remaining.

Fortunately for the home fans, Eagle junior guard Jacob Curry would be fouled, and swish two massive charity tosses for a two-possession lead (91-86). The Flames would then score a chip shot just ahead of the final horn to set the final score. It wasn't a thing of beauty, but the victory was nonetheless satisfying for the young squad.

For ALC (0-1), three players reached double figures. They were led on the night by Strickland, who poured in a career-high 33 points on 14-18 field goals, including 5-8 bombs. He was on fire practically all night long but also added 5 rebounds.

Senior forward Ben Soumahoro sank 6-8 shots for 12 points, including a massive dunk. He added a game-high 6 rebounds. Curry drained a couple of bombs on his way to also scoring 12 points. He added 2 steals and 3 boards.

Sophomore guard Koji Anderson contributed 9 points and 7 assists, while freshman forward Jackson Tackett added 8 points off the bench. Junior forward Devonte Robinson aided the cause with 6 points and 5 rebounds.

ALC shot an excellent 63.3% (38-60 from the field and 50% (10-20) from beyond the arc. They unfortunately helped the Flame comeback by shooting an uncharacteristically poor 35.7% (5-14) from the foul line. They added 30 rebounds, 21 assists, and 8 steals.

For Welch (0-1), Endman and Gaines led their club with 20 and 18 points respectively. Their team finished shooting 54.8% (34-62) from the floor and an impressive 50% (12-24) from behind the arc. They hit 57.1% (8-14) from the foul line while adding 30 rebounds, 18 assists, and 9 steals.

ALC returns to action next week on Saturday, November 3^rd, when they travel to Tennessee for the return match with Welch at 6:00 pm.