Late run lifts IU Columbus over ALC Lady Eagles, 96-85

Columbus, IN: The Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles basketball squad returned to the hardwood on Monday, December 15th as they journeyed to the Hoosier state to battle the Indiana University-Kokomo Crimson Pride. In a close game that saw a multitude of free throw attempts, the hosts broke the game open in the final stages to win 96-85.

In the first period, the game was tight but ALC hung close thanks to a trio of bombs from Kennedy Johnson. Still, the Caney crew would trail 19-17 after one quarter.

In the second period, Lady Eagle junior forward Jamie Cowan caught fire, tossing in 12 points. This helped her crew match the Pride, both with 20 points, as IUC went into intermission nursing a slight 39-37 advantage.

In the third period, Cowan and sophomore guard Bailey Stewart combined for 19 points to keep the contest tight. However, the Columbus duo of Abby Fleetwood and Amaya Collins did them three better, pumping in a combined 22 points. This enabled the host squad to lead 72-68.

In the last quarter, the two teams battled, each looking for a moment that would give them the edge. Finally, at 3:39, the turning point came. At thet moment, the Bluegrass squad missed a layup and was then whistled for a foul. Next, the visitors were also called for a technical. The Pride suddenly sank 4-4 free throws, then soon added another trio of charity tosses. The 7-0 burst made the score 87-80 with just 2:48 remaining, and the game was effectively over.

For ALC (5-8), four players reached double-figures in the tough defeat. Cowan pumped in 29 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. She sank 6-10 field goals and 17-23 free throws. She was followed by Johnson with 16 points, including 12 on long bombs

Bailey Stewart added 15 points and 3 assists, while sophomore guard Elivia Moore chipped in with 10 points and 3 steals. Additionally, senior guard Aziah Campbell also registered 3 assists while sophomore guard Ashtyn Barrett had 3 steals.

On the day, the Lady Eagles finished at 35.8% (24-67) from the field, 31.3% (10-32) from long-range, and 73% (27-37) from the charity stripe. They added 37 rebounds, 19 assists, and 11 steals.

IUC (2-9) were led by Fleetwood and Collins with 27 and 26 points respectively. Fleetwoods staggering 17-18 free throws accounted for most of her points.. Their club shot 41.5% (27-65) from the field, 43.8% (7-16) from long-range, and an impressive 81.4% (35-43) from the foul line. They added 38 rebounds, 13 assists and 13 steals.