Posted: Jan 04, 2025
Clutch play leads Alice Lloyd Eagles to comeback victory over (RV) West Virginia Tech University, 82-75
WVU Tech (WV)
(10-3, 1-1)
75
Alice Lloyd (KY)
(10-3, 1-1)
82
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WVU Tech (WV) (10-3, 1-1) | 42 | 33 | 75 |
|
Alice Lloyd (KY) (10-3, 1-1) | 43 | 39 | 82 |
Pippa Passes, KY: The Alice Lloyd College Eagles rung in the new year by rallying from a 10-point deficit over the final eleven minutes of the game to earn a big 82-75 victory over the formidable West Virginia Tech Golden Bears. The contest was played January 4th on "Coach J" Court, at the Perry Center.
In the opening half, the defense was tight as the two clubs sized each other up. The hosts got a nice early boost off the bench from freshman guard Kaleb Walker whose pair of buckets knotted the contest at 7-7 with 13:05 showing.
Over the next two minutes, a pair of Jared Strickland trifectas sparked a 8-2 burst to lift the Eagles to a 15-9 lead, before Tech promptly rolled out a 10-4 run, capped off by an inside move from big man Thomas Hailey, to tie things at 19.
The lead would change hands six times over the next four minutes, before a Golden Bear blitz, led by Hailey and Liam Craven, put them ahead 41-35 with just 1:41 remaining in the half.
However, the home fans were pleased to see a pair of deep bombs, courtesy of Strickland and senior guard Jacob Curry, sandwiched around a junior guard Wilgus Tolson driving layup, completely change the momentum. West Virginia Tech's Hailey would split a pair of free throws just before the half and ALC would go into the lockerroom at intermission clinging to a 43-42 advantage.
During the first 20:00, Stickland and Curry would each account for 9 points to lead their squad. WVT's Hailey led all scorers with 10, and Craven added 9 for the Mountaineer team.
In the second half, the West Virginia club saw Cameron Danser catch fire. The guard swished four three point baskets in the first 8:30 to ignite his team. Later, his fifth three bomb with 10:13 remaining to play lifted his mates to a double digit lead (67-57), forcing a timeout by the hosts.
With the game in the balance, the Bluegrass boys responded. Over the next five minutes, the Eagles tightened up on the defensive end, while on offense, Curry and senior guard Brady Nelson combined for 9 points to fuel a 12-2 blitz. As the clock ticked down to the 5:00 mark, the game stood tied at 69-69.
A Bear jumper from Darrin Martin and pair of charity tosses from ALC's Tolson made the score 71-71 at 2:30. At this critical juncture, the Kentucky crew delivered a series of clutch plays.
First, at 2:23, sophomore forward Jackson Tackett bagged a huge trifecta to put the Pippa Passes posse ahead, 74-71. Then, with the crowd on their feet, Tolson picked the pocket of Hailey and raced for a lay-in. Suddenly, the hometown squad led 76-71.
WVT refused to quit. A jumper from Braden Chapman and pair of charity tosses from Martin sliced the deficit to one (76-75). Tech then attempted to press, but ALC swiftly attacked and Curry found Tackett breaking open for a lay-up (78-75). Then on the very next play, Nelson picked the pocket of Martin, was fouled, and swished both charity tosses (80-75). A missed attempt from Tech and two Strickland free throws set the final score and handed Alice Lloyd the hard-fought victory.
For ALC (10-3; 1-1 RSC), three players reached double figures. Strickland led the way with 19 points. He delivered 5-9 trifectas and added 6 rebounds and 2 steals.
He was followed by Curry, who sank 4 bombs to finish with 14 points. He added 4 rebounds. Senior forward Ben Soumahoro overcame foul difficulties to finish with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
In addition,Tolson added 8 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals while Nelson chipped in with 6 points and 4 huge steals. Tackett and Walker came through with 9 and 7 points respectively.
WV Tech (10-3; 1-1 RSC), who entered the contest on a 8-game winning streak and were receiving votes (RV) in the latest NAIA poll, had four players reach double digits. They were led on the day by Danser with 21 points on 7-12 accuracy, all from long distance. Martin was just behind with 14 points and a game-high 8 rebounds. Hailey followed with 12 points, while Chapman contributed 11 points, 8 assists, and 6 steals. Craven finished with 9.
The statistics were very close. The Eagles shot 46.7% (30-64) from the field, 44.4% (12-25) from beyond the arc, and 82.3% (10-12) from the free throw line. They added 35 rebounds, 16 assists, 3 blocks, and 11 steals.
The Golden Bears shot 47.3% (26-55) from the field, 48% (12-25) from behind the arc, and 64.7% (11-17) from the charity line. They added 34 rebounds, 16 assists, 3 blocks, and 10 steals.
The differences in the matchup came down to the Eagles bench outscoring their opponent 33-18, winning second chance points 15-4, and capitalizing on points off of turnovers, 24-13.
The Eagles return home on Tuesday, January 7th, when they host the Midway University Eagles.Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.