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by Gary Stepp

Box Score

Rogers slams it home in a late-game spectacular play.

Rogers slams it home in a spectacular second half play.

Junior guard Cody Stumbo pumped in 21 points while sophomore forward Tyler Rogers had the defensive stop of the night to spark Alice Lloyd to a 75-70 victory over conference foe Cincinnati Christian University. The game was the first on the Eagles’ 2014 schedule.

The first half was tight throughout as neither club could get any separation from the other. ALC led by 5 with seconds remaining before CCU guard DJ McCommons drilled a three-point bomb at the buzzer. Still, the hosts took a 38-36 lead into the locker room.

The second half remained close as both clubs battled hard. An Eagle highlight occurred with 14:20 remaining. Leading 44-40, guard Tyler Brewer leaped to save a pass from going out of bounds on a fast break and threw it towards the rim. Rogers, trailing the play, soared in and threw down an empathic lob dunk to bring the crowd to its feet.

Alice Lloyd used this play to go on a 14-7 run, and they took a double-digit lead (58-47) with 8:20 on the clock after a three from Stumbo.

McCommons, however, sparked the visitors, by pouring in 21 second half points. CCU chipped away and reduced the deficit to two with 15 ticks remaining (72-70).

Forced to foul, Cincinnati put Eagle guard Isaac Wilson on the free throw line. The reliable Wilson uncharacteristically saw his first shot rim out, but he swished the second to give the hosts a three-point cushion at 73-70.

After a timeout, the Eagles did not allow McCommons to get the ball back, but CCU found Mitch McLeish, who had sunk two second half trifectas, in the corner with 7 seconds on the clock. As McLeish rose to shoot the potential game-tying shot, Rogers used perfect timing to block the attempt. He then caught the ball and quickly tossed it to the other end to the lightning fast Wilson, who raced in for the game clinching lay-in.

For the victors (7-5; 2-1 KIAC) Stumbo led the way with 21 points. Rogers added 19 points, 8 blocks, and 7 rebounds on the night, while Wilson chipped in 12 points and dished out 4 assists. Senior guard Stuart Stamper hauled down a team high 8 boards.

For CCU (10-5; 2-1 KIAC) McCommons led all scorers with 26 points.

The Eagles play their next game at Union College on Wednesday, January 8th. Tip time is set for 7 PM.