NEW ORLEANS – No. 9 Life University (8-2) continued their seven-game win streak on Friday with an 83-72 win over Talladega (6-3) in the Dillard Classic.
 
"I thought we did a lot of good things today," Head Coach Keith Adkins said. "Offensively, I thought that this was the best rhythm we have played with this year. It has taken us a while to get comfortable with our rotations and different combinations, but today had a good flow to it. Beating a good team on the road is definitely another step in the right direction."
 
Life U did a nice job of spreading the wealth on offense as five Running Eagles posted double-digit points in the win. Reigning Mid-South Conference Player of the Week Zach Landis paced the squad and finished a rebound shy of another double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds, in addition to two assists and two steals. Senior Undra Mitchem also finished a rebound shy of a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds as well as two assists. Senior Michael Miller and junior David Scott both logged 12 points, with Miller adding eight assists and three rebounds and Scott adding five rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal. Senior Jay Johnson contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and an assist.
 
The first half would be characterized as period filled with momentum swings, and included nine lead changes and nine ties. Neither squad could gain more than a six-point lead at any one time during the half. Life U opened things with 9-3 lead that Talladega quickly erased and turned into a lead of their own at 13-11 with just over 11 minutes left in the half.
 
In the final five minutes alone, there were five ties and three lead changes. With a minute and a half left in the period, the Tornadoes led 42-41. However, a foul would send sophomore Connor Gamble to the line to make both free throws and take a 43-42 lead. Talladega drove the length of the court and drained a three-pointer with 30 seconds left to retake the lead 45-43, but David Scott would not be deterred as knock down a shot to tie the game at 45 all on a pass from Michael Miller as time expired.
 
After the intermission, both teams returned to trading shots and keeping the game tight. This time however, the Tornadoes would hold the advantage and the lead for most of the early part of the half, but once again were unable to gain more than a six-point lead. The Running Eagle offense kicked into high gear with almost six minutes as Scott drained a three-pointer to take the lead for good at 69-68. From there, Life U began to slowly put the game away and build their lead. Landis put the finishing touches on the 83-72 victory with a pair of free throws and a field goal inside the final 43 seconds.
 
The Running Eagles are back in action tomorrow, Dec. 2 as they face off against host No. 15 Dillard University in the Dillard Classic.