Cold shooting proves costly as Alice Lloyd Eagles fall to Midway University

Pippa Passes, KY:  On Saturday, January 27th, the Alice Lloyd Eagles played host to the Midway University Eagles in RSC play. The hosts had trouble finding the bottom of the net most of the game, and it proved costly in dropping a 76-63 decision.

In the opening stanza, the two clubs traded baskets until a hoop from sophomore guard Jack Brown and four consecutive points from senior guard Jared Strickland gave the hosts a 19-14 lead at 11:13.

However, over the next seven minutes, MU forward Jalen Cincore scored 11 points to spark a 21-5 blitz. When the dust settled, the visitors led 35-24 with 4:13 remaining in the half.

Fortunately for the home fans, ALC rallied. Senior forward Blane Keathley scored two buckets to help his squad close the stanza with nine consecutive points. The central Kentucky squad would enter intermission clinging to a 35-33 lead.

In the second half, the Eagles saw freshman center Micah Wills produce 5 points as his team came out on a 9-1 spurt. A inside bucket from freshman forward Jackson Tackett lifted his team to 41-36 advantage. Once again, Midway responded.

With ALC leading 45-42 and 12:45 remaining, the guests would see the Pippa Passes crew go ice cold.  In the next eleven minutes, the visiting Eagles would pull ahead as the hometown crew only scored 9 points, to fall behind double figures. Midway would then maintain their advantage until the final buzzer sounded.

For Alice Lloyd (11-10, 3-8 RSC), they were led on the night by Strickland, and Tackett, each with 11 points. Brown chipped in with 10. Keathley added 8 points off the bench.

Freshman guard Landon Napier led the squad with 8 boards while Tackett added 6. Senior guard Brady Nelson and Strickland both add 3 assists while Strickland had 2 steals and tied Wills with 2 blocks.

On the night, the Caney Creek crew shot just 35.8% (24-67) from the field, a frigid 12 % (3-25) from beyond arc and 75% (12-16) from the charity stripe. They grabbed 36 rebounds, handed off 9 assists, stole 9 balls and blocked 6 shots.

MU (6-11; 4-7 RSC) was led by Cincore with 22 points. His squad shot 42.9% (30-70) from the field, 20% (6-30) from beyond the arc and 76.9% (10-13) from the charity stripe. They snared 47 rebounds, handed off 15 assists and stole 12 balls.

The Eagles are off until next Saturday, February when they return home to face the red-hot Ohio Christian University Trailblazers in a critical RSC matchup. Tipoff is set for 3:00 pm.