MARIETTA, Ga. – Life University (10-15) came back from down 13 points to take a 64-60 victory against Talladega (16-11) on Monday night.
"This was a huge win tonight," Head Coach
Anthony Maxwell said. "I'm extremely happy with the way we played, especially down the stretch in the second half. Talledega is a really good team. They are defending champions in their conference for the last two years, and they will be at the national tournament this year. A game like this gives us a glimpse of how good we could be if we bring the effort every night.
Tshlene Bentley took three huge charges at crucial points in the game, and
Kennesha Nichols was huge with 20 points and 14 big rebounds."
Two Running Eagles finished in double figures in the win. Senior
Kennesha Nichols paced the squad with a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds as well as four steals and an assist. Sophomore
Lucy Stone put up 10 points with three rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Life U started the game strong as they opened on a 4-0 run. Talladega, however, quickly rallied to take their first lead at 8-6. They closed out the first quarter with a 20-12 lead. The Tornadoes held serve in the second quarter as the Running Eagles were unable to get within more the five points. Talladega took a 34-25 lead into the break.
The Tornadoes picked off where they left off after the intermission. They pushed out to their largest lead of the game at 42-29 with just under seven minutes left in the third quarter. Life U slowly began to chip away at the lead and managed to trim it to 47-41 as the period came to a close.
The Running Eagles stayed on course and continued to fight back into the game. They cut it to a one point game with just under five minutes left. Life U tied the game and took the lead on two
Kayla Kelly free throws with just under three minutes left. Talladega briefly regained the lead on the next possession, the Running Eagles were able to put the game away with free throws in the final 30 seconds to take a 64-60 win.
Life U will get back to Mid-South Conference play on Thursday, Feb. 15 as they play host to Cumberland University.
