Alice Lloyd falls at #23 Rio Grande University

Rio Grande, Ohio: On January 12th, the Alice Lloyd Eagles basketball squad journeyed to Buckeye country to battle the NAIA's #23 team, the Rio Grande University Red Storm. The hosts controlled the game the majority of the way against their cold-shooting foes and took the big 96-57 victory.

Despite playing without two key men, the Eagles came out of the gate well in the opening stanza. They would lead 7-5 lead three minutes in and look to be in good shape. Unfortunately, from that point, things took a decisive turn for the worse.

Over the next 8:00, the Kentucky squad went as cold inside as the temperature was outside, and they were unable to connect from anywhere. On the opposite bench, the Red Storm went on a huge run, and they would roll off a staggering 24 consecutive points to pull out to a 29-7 lead. The Ohio crew would ride that momentum all the way to the locker room, where they would hold a 45-25 advantage at intermission.

In the second half, the Eagles would try to answer, but on this night, they came up short. The contest would never be in jeopardy as the athletic RGU team coasted to an impressive victory.

For normally high-scoring Alice Lloyd (11-4; 2-2 RSC), not one player achieved double figures. They were led on the night by senior guard Jared Strickland with 9 points. Fellow seniors Ben Soumahoro and Jacob Curry each added 8 points. Soumahoro also led the team with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks.

On the day, the Caney Creek crew finished at 40.4% (21-52) from the field, including just 20% (5-20) from beyond the arc. They also hit 90.9% (19-21) from the charity stripe, grabbed 24 rebounds, handed out 4 assists, and nabbed 5 steals. 

Rio (13-3; 4-0 RSC) was led by Milan Square with 28 points. His squad connected on a blazing 56.5% (35-62) from the field, including 47.8% (11-23) from long range. They were also 78.9% (15-19) from the charity line. Additionally, they nabbed 34 rebounds, handed off 23 assists, and stole 8 balls. 

The Eagles have no time to dwell on this game as they return to the hardwood on Tuesday, January 14th. On that date, they will travel to Portsmouth, Ohio to battle the Shawnee State Bears. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.