Alice Lloyd Eagles Comeback Bid Falls Short, Fall to Indiana University Kokomo

Pippa Passes, KY: The Alice Lloyd Eagles made a valiant comeback effort, before falling just short to division leading Indiana University Kokomo, 76-73. The River States Conference matchup was played Thursday, January 19th.

The Eagles played well early, opening on a 5-0 run in the first three minutes of action. However, aided by foul trouble from Eagles leading scorer Will Philpot, the Cougars would answer with a burst, and lead 16-11 as the clock passed the midway point of the stanza.

From that juncture, the visitors would remain in control, and eventually extend their lead to as much as 13 points (32-19). IUK would settle for a 35-25 advantage at intermission.

In the second half, Kokomo would look for the knockout blow. Behind the play of guard Hunter White, the Indiana squad would open the first five minutes on a 15-8 blitz. A steal and dunk with 14:44 remaining would lift them to a 50-33 cushion, and the game appeared practically over.

With their backs against the wall, the Pippa Passes boys would respond. Over the next four minutes, Philpot and junior guard Ben Soumahoro would combine for 11 points in a 15-4 run. Suddenly, as the clock dipped below the ten-minute mark, the Caney Creek crew only trailed 54-48.

IU Kokomo would turn to guard Xavier Hines who hit several big shots to help his squad hold their margin. Fortunately, trailing 69-61 with 2:43 on the clock, the Eagles fought backonce more.

First, senior guard Bryce Slone would swish a deep three (69-64). Next, a Slone steal would lead to a Soumahoro layup (69-66). Finally, after another defensive stop from ALC, Philpotwould score on a power move in the paint. Now, with 1:13 remaining, the deficit was reduced to just one (69-68), as the crowd roared with approval.

However, after a timeout, IUK ran the shot clock down to the end before Hines sank a devastating bomb to set the score 72-68. Philpot would answer once more with a power move at .18 to get the Kentucky club within two (72-70), but IUK would sink big free throws to hold on for the win.

For Alice Lloyd (10-9; 4-5 RSC), they were paced in double-figures by Philpot, who scored all of his game-leading 17 points in the second half. He also led all players with 8 boards in an impressive performance.

He was joined in double-digits by senior guard Bryce Slonewith 15 points, sinking 5-6 bombs. Soumahoro chipped in with 13 points. All three players dished out 2 assists, joining sophomore forward Blaine Keathley to lead the team in that category. Senior center Colyn Sturgill swatted 2 shots.

ALC shot 45.6% (25-56) from the field and 47.1% (8-17) from behind the arc. They sank a solid 83.3% (15-18) from the foul line and added 37 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 steals.

For Kokomo (14-5; 8-1 RSC), White and Hines both netted 16 points. Their club shot 47.7% (31-65) from the floor and 38.9% (7-18) from behind the arc. They hit 43.8% (7-16) from the foul line, and also added 36 rebounds, 20 assists, and 12 steals. 

ALC returns to action this Saturday, January 21st when they host St. Mary of the Woods in conference play. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00pm.