PIPPA PASSES, Ky. --- Asbury matched up with Alice Lloyd for the third time this season on Saturday night, this time for the Mideast Regional NCCAA Championship. The last time AU played in the challenging Alice Lloyd gym they handed them their first lost of the entire season on January 27th. Despite AU outscoring Alice Lloyd in the second half 41-37, they would still fall in the game 78-81. 

Alice Lloyd came out knocking down shots from the very beginning in the first half, taking a 37-25 lead over AU with 6 minutes to go. Ben McNew scored the next 5 points of the game leading AU to cut down the deficit going into the half, 37-44. Alice Lloyd won the rebounding battle in the first half but Asbury was able to knock down five threes that helped them stay within striking distance.

After a three by John Shoulders and a layup from Nick Fort the Eagles made their run and tied the game up at 62-62 with 12 minutes to go. A scoring drought struck AU that allowed Alice Lloyd to regain the lead, with 3 minutes to go AU trailed 74-78. Four points in a row, including an and-1 from Nick Fort cut the deficit to two with 1:23 to go (78-80).

Asbury could not get another shot to fall in the final minute of the game as they were defeated by Alice Lloyd in a one possession game, 78-81. 
A resilient and battle tested team in Asbury went on the road in a tough environment to fall just short of the Mideast NCCAA Regional Championship. 

* Nick Fort led the Eagles in scoring with 20 pts, and also collected 5 reb

* John Shoulders was right behind Fort with 16, shooting an efficient 5-7 from the field and 3-5 from 3 PT

* Eric Powell scored 16 pts for the Eagles, grabbed 6 reb and giving out 3 assists

* Dakota Walden had 11 pts, 5 reb and 2 steals on the night

* AU got out-rebounded in the game 32-44

* Asbury's fast break points were essential in giving them a chance to win, 11-2 over Alice Lloyd

* The second chance points from Alice Lloyd were key in giving them the victory (15)

* TJ Robinson grabbed 4 boards and totaled 5 points 

"We're disappointed in the outcome but really proud of our effort in the 2nd half. We overcame a 13 point deficit to have a chance to win the game. This is a special group of guys and we hope to have an opportunity to get an at-large bid"

     * Associate Head Coach Russ Abner

Asbury moves to 14-11 on the season and will now await an opportunity for an NCCAA Tournament at-large bid