Pippa Passes, KY: The University of Rio Grande Red Storm took a 13 point lead at intermission and made it hold up the rest of the night for a 76-61 victory over the Alice Lloyd Eagles on Tuesday night, January 17th. The game was played in Pippa Passes.
In the opening half, junior forward Jake Allen would open the scoring on a post move, which was followed by a jumper from sophomore guard Ryan House. This gave the Eagles a 4-2 lead four minutes into the game.
However, sparked by the steady play of guard Will Hill, the Red Storm would “storm” back. The visitors were able to gain the lead, and then steadily increase their margin over the final sixteen minutes. When Hill sank a long bomb with 7 ticks remaining, he gave his squad a 43-30 advantage at intermission.
In the second half, the Eagles would hit buckets, but they always were countered by a goal from Rio Grande. A driving ten-footer from ALC junior guard Austin Crisp with 12:34 remaining would bring the Eagles within single digits at 54-45, but Hill produced a hoop once again on the next Red Storm possession, and the hosts would never get any closer the remainder of the night.
For ALC (5-14; 3-6 RSC), Allen connected on 6-10 from the floor and led the way with 15 points. Freshman guard Blake Smith drained 5-8 from the floor and contributed 11 points; he also led the club with 6 rebounds. Crisp added 10 points while sophomore guard Alex Sergent dished out 4 assists.
Alice Lloyd connected on 40.4% (23-57) from the field, with 28.7% accuracy (5-18) from long range. From the charity line, they sank 58.8% (10-17). Additionally, they registered 22 rebounds, 7 steals, 7 assists, and 3 blocks.
Rio Grande (6-14; 3-5 RSC) was led by Hills game-high 29 points. His club connected on 46.9% (23-49) from the field and a solid 41.2% (7-17) from long range. They iced the game from the foul line where they hit an excellent 92% (23-25). They also had 39 rebounds, 5 steals, and 9 assists.
The Eagles return home this Friday the 20th for a 6:00 pm tussle with the Warren Wilson Owls. They follow that up on Saturday the 21st as they join the women in a doubleheader matchup against the Welch College Flames. The women’s tilt is scheduled for 1:00 pm followed by the men’s contest at 3:00 pm.