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The Alice Lloyd Lady Eagles battled the Brescia Bearcats in a huge KIAC matchup. When the smoke had cleared, visiting BU had pulled out a close 73-69 decision.

The first half was a defensive battle for most of the way as neither club could find any offensive rhythm. A late flurry from the Bearcats propelled them to a 36-28 lead at intermission.

In the second half, the Lady Eagles had their opportunities, but uncharacteristically, they missed free throws which allowed their guests to surge ahead by double figures.

Sparked by freshman Ariel Nickell (Claiborne, Tn.) the girls from Caney Creek began to make one last run. A 12-3 spurt cut the Brescia lead to just three (64-61), with 3:00 remaining.

On the next possession, ALC got a huge steal. Eagle sharpshooter Gemma Gray (Manchester) got a good look at a three, but her shot rimmed out. Brescia drove down court where forward Clarissa Houston was fouled on a bomb of her own. She hit all three charity shots to put her team up 67-61. Following another Eagle miss, Houston connected on a bomb from the opposite wing to give her squad a lead (70-71) that could not be overcome.
For ALC (9-13, 5-3 KIAC) Nickell led the way with 22 points and game high 12 rebounds. Nicole Lutes (Jackson) and Gray (Manchester) added 11 and 10 apiece.

Brescia was lead by the conference’s leading scorer Brittni Bird, with 23.