Columbia, SC: Senior guard Katie Moore sank a jumper with .03 remaining to cap a 6-0 run and propel the Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles to a come-from-behind 70-68 victory over the Columbia College Koalas. The tightly-played road contest was held on November 4th.
In the first period, Alice Lloyd got off to a slow start as the hosts led from the opening trip. Despite ALC only scoring three points during the final 4:11, CC led by just two (16-14) after ten minutes of action.
In the second quarter, the game remained tight. When junior guard Haley Hall sank a long bomb at the buzzer, the guests would enter halftime tied at 28.
The third period saw the two clubs battle evenly for the opening 4:00 (37-37). At this point, led by the play of Denijah Johnson, Columbia went on an 11-4 run to lead 48-41 with 1:00 showing.
However, fortunes would change late. Over the final .45, Hall would bag an old-fashioned three-point play off a turnover, sophomore guard Hannah Kash would swish a trifecta, and following a second turnover, sophomore center Bailey Brainard would sink a hoop at the buzzer. Suddenly, the Lady Eagles would lead 49-48 heading into the final stanza.
In the last period, a quick bomb from junior guard Ali May put the visitors up by four, but CC would hang tough as they kept the pressure on. The two clubs would battle until a late flurry by the Koalas gave them a 68-64 lead with just .53 remaining in the contest. The hosts appeared to be in good shape.
The scrappy guests would have none of that. First, at .38, Kash would sink a bucket to reduce the deficit to two. Next, junior guard Shelby Davis would get a layup after the Eagles stole the inbounds pass. When ALC then forced another turnover by Columbia, they would gain the ball back at .13 with a chance to win. The home crowd was stunned.
Fortunately for the Alice Lloyd fans, coach John Mills has many good options and the ball would wind up in the hands of senior guard Katie Moore. Moore made a nifty move and connected with only .03 showing to set the score 70-68. On the last gasp inbounds play, ALC’s Kash would then steal the pass, and the ladies from Caney Creek would walk out with the stunning victory.
For the victors (1-2), Hall led the way with 18 points and added 6 rebounds. Moore tossed in 14 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. May reached double figures as she added 11 points. Kash contributed 9 points and had 4 steals while senior forward Makayla Akers snared 9 boards and Brainard swatted 3 shots.
The victors shot 35.6% (21-59) from the floor and 31% (9-29) from long range. They finished at 77.3% (17-22) from the charity line, while adding 39 rebounds, 16 assists, and 8 steals.
CC (0-1)) was led on the night by Johnson with her impressive line of 19 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 steals. Her squad shot 37% (27-73) from the field and 18.2% (4-22) from deep. They finished at 52% (9-17) from the charity stripe, while adding 41 rebounds, 18 assists, and 18 steals.
ALC returns to action on Monday, November 11th, when they play their home opener against Milligan College. Tipoff is set for 7:00 pm.