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PIPPA PASSES, KY: The Alice Lloyd College Eagles faced the Indiana University Kokomo Cougars in an intense River States Conference West Division showdown on Saturday, February 17th. In the final men’s game to be played in the Grady Nutt Athletic Center, the hosts prevailed in an overtime thriller, 120-110.

A large crowd was on hand for Senior Day as guard Austin Crisp and center Jake Allen were recognized in front of the hometown fans for their fine careers. Inspired by their effort and that of sophomore guard Blake Smith, the hosts jumped out early and would take a 24-15 lead at 13:35 following two Crisp free throws.

IUK would shrink the deficit to two at 28-26 before the Eagles would explode. Sparked by 8 points from sophomore forward Chance Cornett, ALC would go on a 20-7 blitz over the next six minutes to pull ahead 48-33. They would enter the locker room at intermission leading 51-42.

In the second half, the Eagles managed to hold their lead, but the Cougars refused to go away. Paced by the shooting of guard Trent Elliott, they kept close. When guard Trequan Spivey drained a big three with 3:33 showing, the game was knotted at 95. It was the first tied score since 6-6.

The two clubs would trade points until Spivey hit another bomb with just 1:33 remaining. Suddenly, the Cougars led 104-101, as the crowd grew nervous.

On their next possession, Crisp found Cornett on the left wing. His huge trifecta brought a roar from the crowd as the game was even once more (104-104). After getting a big defensive stop, the Eagles would sink 2 late free throws to inch ahead 106-104, but Spivey came through for the visitors once again with a clutch shot of his own at .16. Alice Lloyd held for one last shot, but Smith’s contested drive rolled off as time expired.

Overtime belonged to the Eagles as the men from Caney Creek would open the segment with 11 consecutive points to remove any last-second drama. They would outscore Kokomo 14-4 in the extra stanza to earn the sweet victory for Coach JR Hammond.

For ALC (15-12; 8-10 RSC), five players reached double figures. They were led by Smith with a career-high 33 points. He was hot all night as he drained 14-20 field goals while adding 2 blocks. He was followed by Cornett with 22 points on 8-14 field goals. Allen sank 6-9 field goals and finished with 18 points. He went out with a bang, completing a double-double as he snared 11 rebounds. Freshman guard Timmy Dalton and Crisp finished with 18 and 16 points respectively. Crisp led the way with 6 assists and 3 steals. 4 different Eagles also grabbed 8 rebounds apiece.

The victors connected on 48.3% (43-89) from the field and 33.3% (7-21) from long range. They hit 73% (27-37) from the foul line and added 54 rebounds, 15 assists, and 8 steals.

IUK (16-14; 12-6 RSC) was led by Elliot with 25 points. His club connected on 49.4% (43-87) from the field including 40.6% (13-32) from long range. They hit 64.7% (11-17) from the foul line and added 44 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals.

Alice Lloyd will next return to the hardwood in the opening round of the NCCAA Mideast Regional Tournament. The date and time will be announced after all squads have completed season play.

Senior Day Photos