Pittsburgh, PA- The Alice Lloyd Eagles traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania over the weekend for a two game conference road trip against Point Park University and Carlow University. The Eagles earned a split in the weekend series. Following are recaps of each match-up.
January 4
ALC- 75 – PPU-79
Trevor Combs
In a game that was close until the final buzzer, the home standing Pioneers pulled out a four point victory.
In the first half, sparked by solid defense and 8 points from senior Trevor Combs, ALC controlled the pace. They quickly took the lead, which grew to 7 (17-10) on an Austin Crisp triple.
The home squad would not go down easy as they began to battle back. PPU would take their first lead on a Jerah’me Williams layup at 2:31, and they held a 30-27 at advantage by intermission.
In the second half, the Eagles would regain the lead at 37-36 on a nice Cody Stumbo lay-in at 16:35, and their lead would stretch to 4 at 42-38 just two minutes later when Braxton Blair connected on a jumper.
At this point, the momentum turned. Propelled by 6 points from forward TJ Lanier, the Pioneers went on a 14-4 run over the next three minutes to vault ahead 52-46. Lanier’s three point bucket gave his club their largest advantage of the contest at 72-61 with just 3:11 remaining.
At this critical juncture, the Eagles fought back. Utilizing a stifling press, Alice Lloyd forced 4 turnovers and reduced the deficit to just 3 points at 76-73. When Point Park threw the ball away with 26 ticks remaining, ALC had a chance to tie.
On the next possession, the Eagles found Combs for the potential game- tying basket, but his three point attempt bounced off and was corralled by PPU’s Williams. He sank both charity tosses to set the score 78-73.
Alice Lloyds Combs scored with 6 seconds left to make the score 78-75, but the Pioneers Lanier iced the game with a free throw.
For ALC (3-6; 0-1 KIAC), they were led by the solid play of Tyler Rogers. Reduced to just 22 minutes due to foul difficulties, the senior led the way with 19 points on 6-9 field goals and 7-9 free throws. He added 9 rebounds and 3 blocks before fouling out.
Combs played well as he contributed 14 points and sank 2 three point baskets. Stumbo sank 5-6 field goals for 10 points.
Dondre Warren led all players with 10 rebounds while Trevor Tiller and Crisp shared game-high honors in assists, each with 4.
For Point Park (9-5; 2-2 KIAC), Lanier and Williams led the way with 28 and 19 points respectively.
January 5
ALC-80 – CU-74
Trevor Tiller
Senior Tyler Rogers tossed in 20 points to lead the Alice Lloyd Eagles to a come-from-behind victory over the Carlow Celtics.
In the first half, the home squad was ready to battle as they controlled the entire 20 minutes. ALC kept within striking distance, but trailed 34-28 at intermission.
In the second half, Rogers received help from his bench in the form of Trevor Tiller and Braxton Blair. The Eagles then hit enough foul shots to hang on for the nice road victory.
For ALC, (4-6; 1-1 KIAC) Rogers finished with 20 points on 8-15 field goals and 4-6 free throws. He added 4 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Blair sank 6-12 field goals and added a game high 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Tiller chipped in with 11 points and 5 rebounds.
Carlow (3-6; 0-4 KIAC), was led by forward Zach Taylor with 20 points.