by Gary Stepp
The Alice Lloyd Eagles journeyed to Cincinnati, Ohio on Tuesday to face the defending conference champion Cincinnati Christian University Eagles. The home team held on to earn a 78-66 victory.
In the first half, CCU took control early and raced out to a 28-16 lead with 5:55 remaining. The visiting Eagles would chip away some, but still trail at the half by seven (33-26).
In the second half, the visitors opened on an 11-6 run to reduce the deficit to just two (39-37) with 14:55 remaining.
Forced to respond, the hosts went on a 13-5 run over the next five minutes to build the cushion back to ten points (52-42). Alice Lloyd would get within six (58-52) with 5:15 remaining on two Dondre Warren charity tosses, but could get no closer.
For ALC (11-15; 6-5 KIAC), Trevor Tiller tossed in a game high 21 points on 7-13 field goals. Cody Stumbo and Austin Crisp each chipped in with 10. Crisp also paced the squad with 6 rebounds.
For CCU (19-9; 7-4 KIAC), Mitch McLeish led a balanced attack with 15 points.
On the night, Alice Lloyd shot 41.9% from the floor (18-43) including 45.5% from long range (5-11). CCU shot 47.2% from the floor (25-53), and 31.6% from long distance (6-19).
Alice Lloyd hit 80.6% of their free-throws (25-31) compared to the hosts 78.6 % (22-28). The victors also won the crucial battle of the boards, 33-22.
The Eagles return to action on Saturday as they face the Brescia University Bearcats. Tipoff is scheduled for 3pm.