Alice Lloyd Eagles Drop Late Heartbreaker to Indiana University Kokomo

Pippa Passes, KY: A late field goal gave the visiting Indiana University Kokomo Cougars the lead and they held on to defeat the Alice Lloyd College Eagles in a nail-biter, 77-74. The River States Conference battle was held Sunday, February 6th at the Perry Campus Center.

In the first half, the two clubs would battle to a 7-7 tie before 7 consecutive Kokomo points doubled up the score (14-7) at the 13:57 mark. However, the Eagles would respond as they rolled out a 12-2 burst over the next four minutes and would take a 19-16 lead following a runner from senior guard Noah Young. IUK would ride the inside play of big Desean Hampton to retake the lead at 24-21, but junior forward Will Philpot helped lead an ALC resurgence as his squad would take a 36-32 advantage at intermission.

In the second half, the visitors would battle hard, but Alice Lloyd would roll out an impressive stretch of ball. When junior guard Bryce Slone swished a 25-foot bomb at 13:15, the advantage reached its zenith (55-44).

The Indiana club fought back and would get the margin down to a bucket, but the Pippa Passes club battled hard to hold the edge.

Finally, with 2:00 left and ALC clinging to a 74-69 lead, Kokomo made their move. The Eagles would misfire on their next three possessions as the ball simply would not drop. Indiana used that to their advantage and closed on an 8-0 burst. Hampton’s bucket at .42 followed by his two free throws at .17 put IUK ahead 77-74. Now, in need of a three-point shot, the hosts scrambled to get a good look. Young got a contested shot off late, but it came up short as time expired.

For ALC (20-3; 11-2 RSC), three players reached double figures. They were led on the night by Young with 19 points (7-13 FG; 5-5 FT). He added 8 assists and 5 rebounds to the cause. Philpot (6-11FG; 2-4 3FG) contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds. while sophomore forward Damon Tobler added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Sophomore forward Noah Caudill played well, as he added 8 points and led the club with 9 rebounds, while Slone chipped in with 8 points of his own.

Alice Lloyd connected on 47.5% (29-61) from the field, and 35% (7-20) from long range. From the charity line, they sank 81.8% (9-11). Additionally, they registered 36 rebounds, 4 steals, and 14 assists.

IUS (23-3; 13-1 RSC) was led by Hampton with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Trequan Spivey added 19. Their squad connected on 48.4% (30-62) from the field and 25% (6-24) from long range. From the foul line, they shot 57.9% (11-19). They also had 34 rebounds, 9 steals, and 16 assists.

The Eagles return to action with three important conference matchups this week. On Tuesday, February 8th they journey to Midway University for a 7:30 pm showdown. They then return home one day later (February 9th) for a make-up conference contest with Carlow University at 2:00 pm. Finally, they close the week on Saturday, February 12th at Oakland City University. Tip-off is set for 2:00 pm (EST).