PIPPA PASSES, KY: Junior guard Nick Seibert tossed in 23 points and added 7 rebounds to spark the Cincinnati Christian University Eagles to a 79-69 victory over the Alice Lloyd College Eagles in the championship game of the KIAC Tournament. The match-up was held at the Grady Nutt Athletic Center Tuesday night before a packed crowd.
In the opening half, the visiting Eagles sprinted to a quick 7-3 lead as center Kenny Gaynor scored two quick buckets. However, ALC would respond to jump ahead at 8-7 following a Cody Stumbo hoop at 15:34. Little did any one in attendance realize that this would be the last lead ALC would have the rest of the way.
With 4:23 remaining and the visitors hanging on to a slim 23-22 advantage, CCU guard Khari Burton sparked an 10-2 run to end the half. When the buzzer sounded, CCU would take a 31-22 lead into the locker room at intermission.
In the second half, Cincinnati Christian looked to put the game on ice. They opened on a deliberate 28-17 run and would take a 59-35 lead with 9:11 remaining in the contest following a Blake Walsman drive. They would maintain their healthy cushion between 14-20 points over the next six minutes to remain in control.
With their back against the wall ALC would turn to senior guard Trevor Combs who drilled 3 consecutive long range bombs to get the deficit down to seven at 70-63 with 1:23 showing on the clock. Unfortunately Cincinnati would bag 4 straight free throws to end the threat.
For Cincinnati Christian (23-8), Seibert led all scorers with 23 points. He was joined in double digits by Walsman and Burton with 15 points apiece. Gaynor added 10.
ALC seniors with runner-up trophy
The Eagles (18-12) were led by Combs with 18 points on 6-8 from beyond the arc. Stumbo added 13 while Rogers chipped in with 13 points. 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Austin Crisp and Shane Hall each chipped in with 10 points; Crisp and Dondre Warren added 5 assists
On the night, CCU shot 47.5% (29-61) compared to Alice Lloyd at 44.8%. CCU shot 57% (15-26) from the charity while the hosts couldn’t capitalize, sinking just 40% (9-17). CCU also won the battle of the boards, 42-35.
Alice Lloyd now waits to find out where they will play in next weeks NCCAA Mid-Eastern Regional Championship.