Pippa Passes, KY: The Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles got off to a solid start before facing a comeback attempt. The hosts managed to hold on and defeat the visiting Indiana University Southeast Grenadiers, 81-80. The event took place on Tuesday, February 9th.
In the opening period, ALC played solid ball. They would see senior guard Shelby Davis ram in 8 points, and lift her club to a 25-18 lead after ten minutes of action.
In the second quarter, the hosts would extend their advantage to 16 points behind a strong inside-out combination from seniors Alexandria Clifton, Bailee Brainard, and Ali May. A 26-19 advantage would propel the hosts to a 51-37 advantage at intermission.
As the third period began, IUS would turn to quicksilver guard Lauren Lambdin, who took over the game. Her flurry of points would allow the Lady Grenadiers to double up the score at 26-13. Suddenly, the deficit was reduced to just three (64-63), by the period’s end.
In the final stanza, the clubs battled back-and-forth the entire way. Eventually, ALC managed to sink a trio of trifectas, and found themselves clinging to an 81-80 advantage with just .11 remaining.
The Indiana club would get the ball to their star Lambdin, who drove to the hoop. Her shot bounced out but was corralled by a wide-open teammate under the goal. Miraculously, this last-second layup rolled off the rim and enabled the Pippa Passes club to hang on for the critical victory.
For Alice Lloyd (7-5), four players hit double digits. May drilled 6-12 field goals and lead the club with 13 points. Davis and center Clifton finished with 12 points each while center Brainard added 10. Sharpshooting guard Hannah Malcomson hit three bombs for 9 points. Guards May and Davis both handed off 5 assists apiece while May and freshman forward Madison Thompson each snagged 5 rebounds. Both Malcomson and senior guard Haley Hall had 2 steals.
The Caney Club finished shooting 50% (31-62) from the field and 44.4% (8-18) from long range. They connected on 84.6% (11-13) from the charity line, while adding 35 rebounds, 17 assists, and 8 steals.
IUE (4-4) was paced by Lambdin’s impressive effort of 34 points. Her squad finished shooting 46.2% (30-65) from the field and 20% (2-10) from behind the arc. They sank 90% (18-20) from the foul line., and added 31 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 steals.
The Lady Eagles return to action on Saturday, February 13th, when they travel to face the Midway University Lady Eagles for a 1:00 pm tipoff.