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IMG_9495-38PIPPA PASSES: The Alice Lloyd College Eagles concluded the regular season on Saturday by dropping a tough 65-60 decision at the wire to the Ohio Christian Trailblazers. 

Before the contest, six seniors were recognized for their contributions to the Eagles program: Tyler Rogers, Cody Stumbo, Dakota Hall, Zac Crawford, Trevor Combs, and Tate Salyer

In the opening half, the hosts looked sharp early as they exploded out of the gates in the first four minutes on a 9-0 run with Rogers and Stumbo accounting for 7 of the points. 

Sparked by leading scorer Marquis Jackson, OCU would respond by going on a 15-5 run to take their first lead at 15-14 with 11:04 showing. 

The duo of Rogers and Stumbo would inspire ALC once more, leading the squad on a 17-6 run over the next 11 minutes and give the hosts a 31-21 advantage, their largest of the night.  CCU guard John Johnson trained a trifecta just before the half, but Alice Lloyd went to the locker room with a solid 31-24 lead. 

In the second half, the two squads exchanged buckets for several minutes. When Eagle forward Dondre Warren connected on a drive in the paint with 14:39 remaining, the hosts still led 42-32. At this point, the wheels completely derailed on the ALC wagon. 

Starting from the 14:39 mark, the Eagles would not score again until Rogers finally broke a seven minute scoring drought with an inside move in the paint. During that span, the Trailblazers went on a 14-0 run to turn a 10 point deficit into a 48-44 advantage. The OCU lead would reach its zenith at 53-46 on guard Nic Baker’s 22 footer with 6:37 remaining. 

With their backs against the wall, the home-town boys fought back. Sophomore guard Austin Crisp would score 5 consecutive points to start a rally. When Rogers posted up strong for an inside hoop with 3:11 remaining, the score was knotted at 55. 

When Rogers blocked a shot in the paint and Crisp sank the two ensuing free throws with just 1:40 showing, Alice Lloyd finally had the lead at 59-57 and the momentum. 

On their next possession, the Trailblazers would miss, but Baker would grab the  crucial rebound and score to tie things at 59 with 1:11 showing. 

At .51, Crisp would miss on an Eagle drive to the goal, and Ohio Christians Jackson would sink a 15 foot jumper with .25 left to put his squad ahead 61-59. 

The Eagles came down in search of a big shot and found Rogers, who popped off a screen for a good looking three attempt to give his club the lead for good with .08 remaining. 

 Unfortunately, the leading scorers’ shot just missed, but ALC reserve Ryan House snatched the board and tossed up a shot that miraculously fell through the goal as the crowd went wild with joy. However, a foul was assessed before the shot left Houses’ hand, so he went to the line to attempt the double bonus and tie the game. 

His first attempt, tantalizingly rolled off, but he sank the second to make the score 61-60, OCU. 

Having no recourse, the Eagles fouled OCU’s Johnson, who calmly drained both tosses to give his team a 63-60 lead. After the Eagles threw the ball out of bounds, Jackson was fouled once more and sank two more charity tosses to seal the deal for the visitors. 

For Alice Lloyd (16-11; 11-5 KIAC), Rogers led the way with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Stumbo sank 13 points while Crisp added 13 points and 2 assists. Warren chipped in with 9 points and 12 rebounds. 

Jackson led the Trailblazers (21-9; 11-5 KIAC) with 19 points. 

Box score

Click here to see photos from Senior Day!