Posted: Jan 23, 2025
Alice Lloyd Eagles deliver in clutch, defeat Indiana University Kokomo, 80-73
IU Kokomo
(13-6, 4-3)
73
Alice Lloyd (KY)
(13-5, 4-3)
80
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IU Kokomo (13-6, 4-3) | 33 | 40 | 73 |
|
Alice Lloyd (KY) (13-5, 4-3) | 43 | 37 | 80 |
Pippa Passes, KY: The Alice Lloyd College Eagles returned to the Perry Center and "Coach J" Court on January 23rd to face the formidable Indiana University Kokomo Cougars in River States Conference action. The hosts overcame substantial foul trouble in the second half, made all of the clutch plays down the stretch, and pulled out an impressive 80-73 victory.
In the first half, the squads traded hoops early. However, sparked by their imposing duo of Noah Harris and Max Newman, IUK raced out to a 16-11 lead at 13:31.
Fortunately for the home fans, ALC combined the efforts of senior forward Ben Soumahoro with clutch long-distance shooting to fight back. Soumahoro would pump in 9 points to fuel a rally. Later, when senior guard Jacob Curry swished a pair of late bombs, it gave the hosts an impressive 43-33 advantage at intermission. The Eagles would bag 9 trifectas in the first twenty minutes of play.
In the second half, the momentum quickly changed. By the 17:17 mark, the hosts were whistled for 7 fouls, which forced Soumahoro and sophomore forward Jackson Tackett to the bench for an extended period of time. This frequent stoppage of play totally shut down the Eagles' potent fast break, gave the guests a multitude of free throw opportunities and helped the Hoosier crew rally.
On offense, the Pippa Passes posse would turn cold as they just could not mount any type of run. By the 4:43 juncture of the contest, IU Kokomo held a 64-62 lead, and the Pippa Passes posse had only mustered 20 points the entire half. Just when things looked their bleakest, ALC came through behind the huge play down the stretch from senior forward Jared Strickland and junior guard Koji Anderson.
Over the remainder of the game, the Caney Crew would have the ball ten more times. Impressively, they would produce points on nine of those possessions as Strickland and Anderson would combine for 17 of their squads 18 points to lead a stunning and successful comeback.
For ALC (13-5; 4-3 RSC), three players reached double figures. Strickland led the way with 19 points. He delivered 4-7 accuracy, including 2-4 trifectas and 7-7 from the charity stripe. He added a team-high 6 rebounds and 2 steals.
Soumahoro sank a perfect 7-7 from the floor for 15 points. He added 4 boards and 4 huge steals for his night's work. Anderson's 3-5 accuracy produced 11 points. He added 3 assists and a pair of steals. In addition, Curry and Tackett both chipped in with 9 points apiece.
He was followed by Curry, who sank 4 bombs to finish with 14 points. He added 4 rebounds. Senior forward Ben Soumahoro overcame foul difficulties to finish with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
In addition, Tolson added 8 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while Nelson chipped in with 6 points and 4 huge steals. Tackett and Walker came through with 9 and 7 points, respectively.
The winning Eagles shot 47.4% (27-57) from the field, a solid 42.9% (12-28) from beyond the arc, and 82.4% (14-17) from the free-throw line. They also added 25 rebounds, 14 assists, 3 blocks, and 10 steals.
Kokomo(14-5; 4-3 RSC), was led on the day by Harris and Newman with 19 and 17 points respectively. They also combined for 21 rebounds. Their club shot 44.6% (29-65) from the field, 20% (5-25) from deep, and 55.6% (10-18) from the foul line. They added 45 rebounds, 16 assists, 2 blocks, and 5 steals.
The deciding difference in the matchup came down to the Eagles long-range bombing (12 three-point baskets to 5 three-point baskets) and stable ball control (ALC: 8 turnovers, IUK-15 turnovers)
The Eagles next return home on Saturday, January 25th, when they host the 16-3 Saint Mary of the Woods Indiana squad in a major RSC matchup.Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m.