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NCCAA

Winona Lake,In: The Alice Lloyd Eagles battled back in the second half to reduce a 12 point deficit to just 2, but ultimately fell 84-80 to the Central Christian University Tigers Thursday afternoon. The match-up took place in the NCCAA National Tournament in Winona Lake, In.

In the first half, the Tigers jumped out to a quick 10-3 lead in the opening five minutes sparked by 7 points from guard Sam Clayborn. The Eagles responded with a 8-3 run of their own to get within 2 (13-11) after a Mason Pack bucket at 11:54. Central Christian would regroup and go on a 23-15 spurt. They would take a 36-26 lead into the locker room at intermission.

The Eagles only connected on 30% (9-30) from the floor in the half compared to CCU AT 40% (15-37).

The second half started much the same as the first as the Tigers maintained their advantage over the first 10 minutes. With their backs against the wall, the Eagles responded. Seniors Tyler Rogers and Cody Stumbo led an ALC resurgence as they began to chip away at the lead. Stumbo scored 7 consecutive points at one point to set the score 73-69 with 4:33 remaining.

When Eagle Dondre Warren swished 2 free throws with 3:44 showing, the deficit had shrank to just 2 (73-71). Unfortunately, CCU would drain 6 late free throws to slam the door and preserve the victory in their favor.

For Alice Lloyd (18-15), Stumbo and Rogers would lead the way with 19 points each. Rogers would add game highs of 8 rebounds and 4 blocks while Stumbo added 4 rebounds. Pack would add 14 points as the junior shot well for the second consecutive game. Senior Dakota Hall came off the bench to chip in 8 points and 5 boards while sophomore Austin Crisp dished out a game high 9 assists.

Central Christian (20-14) was led by Clayborn with a game high game high 22 points. Michael Golston and Daniel Nwosuh added 16 and 14 points while Ernest Burton and Kendric Warren chipped in 12 and 10 points respectively.

On the night, ALC shot 42.9% from the floor and a solid 12-22 from long range (54.5%). Central finished 41.4% from the floor and 11-28 from long range (39.3%). The Eagles drilled 87.5% from the charity stripe (14-16) compared to the Tigers 65.2% (15-23).

The Eagles close out their season tomorrow at 3 PM as they face the Bluefield College Rams in their final game of the tournament.