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Alice Lloyd College sophomore sensation Ariel Nickell poured in 23 points and added 8 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough as the visiting Lady Eagles fell to the University of Pikeville Lady Bears 80-70 Tuesday night.

In the first half, UPike came out of the gates determined to blow the visitors out of the gym. Sparked by guard Christin Haney, Pikeville jumped ahead 9-0 in the first three minutes. When center Whitney Jackson sank a shot in the paint at 7:36, the lead was twelve (26-14).

Rather than fold, ALC went on a huge run. Sparked by Nickell, Gemma Gray and Bailey Gabbard, Alice Lloyd closed the half on a 23-7 run. At intermission, the Eagles led 37-33.

In the second half, Lady Eagles freshman forward Haley Smith scored 7 points in the first 2:32. Her last basket gave ALC their largest lead of the night at nine (44-35).

The Lady Bears than fought back to tie the game (48-48) on a Jackson drive with 13:38 remaining. UPike then proceeded to build their lead to six before ALC reduced the deficit back to two (67-65) on Nickell’s charity tosses with just 3:40 remaining.

Unfortunately, Pikeville closed the game on a 13-5 run to pull out the win.

For ALC (0-10), Nickell’s 23 led the way. Smith tossed in 11, while Gray chipped in with 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Pikeville (2-5) was led by Jackson with 23.