Alice Lloyd spoils Women’s Basketball’s season opener

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (November 2, 2022) – The Milligan University women's basketball was defeated 61-55 by Alice Lloyd in the Buffs' 2022-23 season opener in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.

Milligan falls to 0-1 on the season while ALC moves to 2-0.

A steal by Kaylee Hendrickson and a layup by Kayla Romines tied the game at 39 in the opening moments of the fourth quarter but the Eagles made more plays down the stretch to earn the victory.

Kristy Galea knocked in a three-pointer after an offensive rebound to give Milligan its final lead of the evening at 42-41 with eight minutes left in regulation. The game was tied at 44 and 46 inside of five minutes to play. The Eagles embarked on a nine-point run as an ALC three gave the visitors their largest lead of the night at 55-46 with 2:44 left.

Milligan scrapped back within four (59-55) with 33 seconds left after another three from Galea and four points by Lauren Longmire. The Buffs seemed to have a late steal secure, but immediately turned it over which allowed ALC to salt the game away.

Playing without NAIA and WBCA All-American Jaycie Jenkins, the Buffs got off to a slow start offensively as Alice Lloyd led 13-6 through the game's first eight minutes of action. The Eagles led 17-11 at the end of the first quarter.

Galea made the only two baskets for either team in the first three minutes of the second half to narrow the margin to 17-15. After ALC stretched its lead back to six points (21-15), the Buffs responded with an 8-0 spurt that was capped by a three-point play by Longmire. Milligan carried a one-point edge into halftime (23-22).

ALC used a 7-0 spurt to lead by eight (36-28) 5:30 into the second half. The Buffs reeled off seven points of their own as Semaj Clark kickstarted the run with a triple, Erin Larkin sank a jumper and Madi Runnels converted a pair of free throws to make it a one-point game at 36-35. After ALC increased its lead to four, Longmire knocked down a shot in the final minute to cut the visitors' edge to 39-37 heading into the fourth quarter.

Galea and Longmire paced Milligan with 12 points apiece. Longmire had a double-double with 10 rebounds on the night. Stacia Wilson had seven points and nine rebounds. Madi Runnels chipped in six points and eight rebounds.

Milligan outrebounded ALC 53-27 and grabbed 18 offensive boards which led to 12 second chance points.

The Buffs travel to Alabama for the Jimmy Faulkner Classic this weekend. The Buffs take on Faulkner on Friday and Thomas on Saturday.