TALLADEGA, ALA. — The Life University women's basketball team came from behind to earn a crucial 71-70 win over Talladega College Saturday afternoon. The huge second-half offensive explosion saw the Running Eagles come from 19 behind to earn the thrilling win.

In the first half, the Running Eagles (6-3, 2-2 SSAC) saw the Tornadoes (4-3, 0-2 SSAC) go ahead early in the first quarter 26-10 as the home team shot an impressive 5-5 from behind the arc in the opening quarter. In the second quarter, Life University's defense figured out its' defensive lapses, limiting the Tornadoes to 14 points. The offensive production for Life U. was unable to keep up though, as the home team took a 40-23 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Running Eagles cut the deficit throughout the duration of both the third and fourth quarters to narrow the gap to seven at the 5:49 mark of the fourth quarter.

A Maikya Simmons basket in the next possession then cut the Tornado lead to five with just five and a half minutes to play, but back and forth buckets by the two teams continued to keep the game separated in favor of Talladega.

The Running Eagles would then tie the game at 67 all. A tip-in at the basket then put 'Dega ahead 69-67, but a huge Santavia Grant 3-ptr. propelled the Running Eagles ahead 70-69.

Late game chaos was in full effect down the stretch as steals, turnovers, and a late-game arrant pass ultimately led to Fapou Semebene heading to the line to ice the game.

With both teams tied at 70 apiece, the transfer forward missed the first of two attempts at the line setting up an all-important go-ahead free throw with 2.5 seconds on the clock. Semebene then swished the final free throw to earn the lead, and despite such little time on the clock, the Tornadoes intelligently called a time-out to advance the ball into the frontcourt, setting a crucial final defensive stand for the Running Eagles.

In that final defensive possession, the Tornadoes were just able to get the ball in before the five second count, throwing up a desperation banker from the corner which missed to help the Running Eagles earn a crucial conference road win.

Maikya Simmons and Semebene each scored 16 as Kierra York and Sienna Bailey scored 22 combined points from the bench.

Up next, the Running Eagles will be on the road facing Southern University at New Orleans in Louisiana. Tipoff on Tuesday, December 6th is set for 6 PM EST.