Lady Eagles Drop Close Road Conference Decision at Oakland City

Oakland City, IN: The Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles fought valiantly in a defensive battle before dropping a late 50-44 decision to the Oakland City University Lady Oaks. The first contest of the new year took place Tuesday afternoon in the Hoosier state.

In the opening period, points were difficult to come by for the Kentucky squad. Senior center Bailee Brainard produced 6 points, but the hosts would lead 13-9 after ten minutes of play.

In the second quarter, ALC would clamp down on defense and hold the Oaks to just 1-12 shooting. Due to this solid effort, the Caney Creek crew would take a 23-19 lead into the locker room for intermission.

 In the third period, the Lady Eagles would limit OCU to just 10 points. Unfortunately, they would go cold themselves and only chalk up six. This would set the score 29-29 heading into the last quarter.

In the final stanza, the two combatants would battle tooth and nail, knowing the importance of this conference game. With 6:20 remaining, and the score knotted at 35 apiece, two big plays would turn the tide.

 First, ALC would get blocked on a layup. Then Oakland City guard Emilee Wallace would drain a huge three at 6:01 to give her squad a lead (38-35). On the next possession, the Lady Eagles would be whistled for a moving screen and lose the ball.

Nursing a three-point lead, the Indiana club would then proceed to run a play for Wallace once more, and she promptly drilled another bomb to put the hosts up 41-35. Although ALC would continue to battle, the home team would seal the deal by sinking 9-10 from the foul line.

For Alice Lloyd (11-3; 4-2 RSC), Brainard led all scorers with 16 points (7-12 FGs). Fellow senior guard Hannah Kash added 14 points and four assists. In addition, junior forward Madison Thompson grabbed 11 caroms, and sophomore guard Katie Jo Moore nabbed six steals.

Their club shot just 26.2% (17-65) from the field and 10.5% (2-19) from long range. They connected on 80% (8-10) from the foul line and added 50 rebounds, nine assists, and 14 steals.

Oakland City (11-3; 6-0 RSC) was paced by Hope with 15 points. Her squad won despite shooting just 22.6% (12-53) from the field and 18.2% (4-22) from deep. They won the game at the foul line, shooting 78.6 (22-28). They also added 43 rebounds, eight assists, and six steals.

The Lady Eagles return to action this Saturday when they host the Brescia Lady Bearcats in a big RSC matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.