ALC Basketball's gutsy performance comes up short, fall 94-81 to #12 University of the Cumberlands

In the first half, the contest started well for ALC as they came out of the gates ready to battle. Sparked by the scoring of junior guard Landon Napier, the Caney Creek crew would take an early lead. Later, when freshman forward Evin Eversole bagged a trifecta at 10:20, the hosts lead would be seven, 26-19.

However, sparked by the play of  strong forward Javecckio Thomas, UC would fight back. When his club scored on an offensive rebound bucket just ahead of the halftime buzzer, the scoreboard would read 43-43 heading into the break. That play would prove to be prophetic of the second half.

In the second half, the Pippa Passes posse would continue to hang tough, and take the fight to their bigger opponent. When senior guard Koji Anderson bagged a jumper at the 15:31 mark his crew led 58-52.

The action would remain fast and entertaining. When Anderson swished a long range bomb as the clock went below the midway point, the contest was knotted up at 65-65.

Unfortunately, at this juncture the momentum changed. Over the next three minutes, the Patriots would go on their only major run of the game, and the 13-2 blitz lifted them to a 75-67 cushion.

To their credit, the hometown boys fought valiently and sliced the margin to just five (78-73) at 6;08, then got the ball back on a steal. Unfortunately, they missed two layups and UC countered with a huge triple.  Now leading 81-73, this finally gave the visitors the seperation they nedded and they sealed the win by sinking several late shots and free throws to set the final margin.

For ALC (2-5)  Anderson was exceptional, as the crafty guard poured in a game-high 24 points on 9-18 shooting, including 5-8 bombs. He also had 3 assists. He was followed by Napier who drained 5-8 shots including a pair of trifectas, for 16 points. He also led the club with 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Also reaching double-figures was Eversole, who chipped in with 12 points. He also tied for the assist lead, as he had 3.

On the day, the home crew shot 41.1% (30-73) from the field, 43.8% (14-32) from long range, and 58.3 (7-12) from the charity line. They added 30 rebounds, 14 assists, 10 steals, and 1 block.

Cumberlands (9-0), who placed four players in double-figures and showed why they are one of the nations best teams, was led by Thomas with 21 points. His club shot 48.1% (37-77) from the field, 27.3% (9-33) from long range, and 57.9% (11-19) from the charity stripe. They won the game by grabbing an impressive 60 rebounds and also added 17 assists, 2 steals, and 8 blocks.