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by Anthony Sizemore, Student Sportswriter

The Alice Lloyd Eagles were defeated in an epic overtime clash against the Berea Mountaineers, 72-69. This one was an extremely spirited contest all the way to the end as both teams showed their competitive desire.

Berea jumped out to an early lead. However, Alice Lloyd was not interested in seeing the Mountaineers pull away on their court as the biggest lead in the first half was only 6. The Eagles trailed at intermission, 29-27.

As it would turn out, the second half was full of stress and suspense. The Eagles held BC scoreless for the first six minutes in the second half while taking a 33-29 lead. Later in the half, Berea (9-7) would regain the lead and the Eagles would need to mount a comeback. Down 59-56 in the final seconds of regulation, Alice Lloyd had one last chance to tie the game. Working the ball around for a good shot, Eagle forward Tyler Rogers launched a three with only one half of a second remaining on the clock. Much to the delight of the home crowd, Rogers found nothing but net and was fouled on the play, putting him on the line with a chance to win the game. His charity shot, however, was just short, and the game went to overtime.

In the extra session, the Eagles continued to battle the Mountaineers who took the lead and never relinquished it. ALC fought valiantly. Rogers tossed in 7 points in the extra stanza, including 3 consecutive free throws with 5.7 seconds remaining to reduce the deficit to 70-69. Forced to foul, Alice Lloyd fouled BC guard Aaron Ponder. Ponder swished both free throws to put his club up 72-69 with 4.9 remaining. ALC had one last opportunity to send the game to a second overtime, but unfortunately this time, the last-second attempt was not successful.

For the Eagles (7-10; 1-4 KIAC), Rogers played like a man possessed as he scored 25 points, nabbed 15 rebounds, and swatted 7 shots. Isaac Wilson scored 12 points while Nick Litton added 11.

Berea (9-7; 1-0 KIAC) was led by Ponder with 24 points.

The Mountaineers were 26-66 (39.4%) from the field, including 8-21 beyond the arc. Alice Lloyd shot 24-68 (35.3%) in field-goal shooting while going 3-18 (16.7) from three-point range.

The Eagles will try to get things back on track on January 10th when they travel to play Johnson University.