Chance Cornett
Milligan College, TN: The Alice Lloyd College Eagles erased an 8 point deficit in the final 3:39, only to fall short on the last play of the game, as they dropped a tight 85-84 decision at the hands of the Milligan College Buffaloes Monday night.
In the opening half, the hosts jumped out to a 20-11 lead in the opening six minutes before ALC went on a 9-2 run to get within two (22-20) midway through the stanza. The Buffaloes would maintain a margin between 4-7 points the rest of the way before seven late points from senior guard Ryan House and junior forward Ian Lee set the score 44-42 at intermission.
In the second half, MU would regain control and see their lead reach its zenith of twelve (76-64) with six minutes remaining following a bucket from guard Tyler Nichols. Still trailing 81-73 with just 3:25 left, Alice Lloyd answered.
A bomb from junior forward Chance Cornett and 4 free throws from junior guard Blake Smith fueled a 11-3 Eagle run. Suddenly, with .33 showing, the game was tied at 84 apiece.
On the ensuing possession, Milligan guard Desean Green was fouled with only .08 to play. He would swish the first, but see the second attempt bounce out. ALC’s Smith grabbed the rebound and began his quest for the hoop. The guard would get all the way to the rim but would see his final attempt blocked at the buzzer by MU’s Nichols to end the contest.
For the victors (3-1), they had four players reach double figures, with Nichol’s 17 leading the way.
ALC (0-2) was led in scoring by Smith, who wound up with 24 points and 5 rebounds. He was joined in double digits by Cornett and sophomore guard Austin Combs, each with 17. Cornett completed a double-double as he snagged 15 rebounds. Sophomore guard Noah Young led the squad with 4 assists. House, Combs, and freshman center Colyn Sturgill all had 2 steals.
Alice Lloyd shot just 39.8% (33-83) from the floor, 25.8% (8-31) from behind the arc, and 90.9% (10-11) from the foul line. They also added 52 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 steals.
MU finished shooting 48.5% (32-66) from the floor, 25% (5-20) from behind the arc, and 57.1% (16-28) from the foul line. They also added 41 rebounds, 8 assists, and 7 steals.