TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Life University women's basketball team suffered a narrow defeat to Stillman College Thursday night, falling 63-62 after a last-ditch effort from the Running Eagles came up short.

The Running Eagles (11-6, 4-4 SSAC) entered the game short-handed with the teams' highest scorer and rebounder, Fapou Semebene, unavailable. Additionally, junior guard Maikya Simmons was also unavailable leaving the team without their top playmaker (2.9 APG).

Despite missing two starters, the Running Eagles battled late in the game before falling to a narrow 63-62 defeat. With the loss to Stillman, the Tigers (12-4, 4-3 SSAC), have now won four straight in SSAC play.

In a game that featured four ties and four lead changes, the Running Eagles held their largest lead of the contest in the second half (7), but the Tigers would later respond to lead by as many as six points, 61-55, with 3:47 left in the contest.

The Running Eagles then got the game level at 62 apiece before a final free throw with less than one second on the clock pushed the Tigers ahead, 63-62. With less than one second on the clock, Life U. advanced the ball into the front court for one final desperation heave. As the long-range attempt fell short with the clock expiring, the Running Eagles have now fallen to a scary three-way tie for 5th in the conference standings.

Overall, Life U. scored 24 second-chance points, out-rebounded Stillman 41-26, including 17 offensive rebounds. Stillman countered that dominance by capitalizing with 25 points off of Life U. TOs. Both teams shot in the low 40s from the floor with the Running Eagles knocking down 41.3% of their shots compared to Stillman's 42.9%.

Individually, Kierra York led the way with a double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 boards. Nekiyah Booker scored an additional 12 for Life U.

Up next, the Running Eagles return home to host Brewton-Parker this upcoming Saturday, Jan. 14th. Tipoff in the Eagles' Nest is set for 12 PM.