Eagles Advance to KIAC Finals

BEREA, Ky. – Asbury overcame a slow start and a five point halftime deficit to defeat Brescia University 74-65 in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament semi-finals at Berea College on Monday afternoon.  The Eagles will play in their first KIAC Tournament Championship game on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. against the winner of Indiana Southeast and Alice Lloyd.

Offensive rebounds and turnovers led the comeback charge for the Eagles (18-11), as they grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and forced 23 turnovers.  Nine of those rebounds came in the second which led to 10 second-chance points. 

Junior guard Laura Carroll led all scorers with 24 points on 8-of-21 shooting and added five assists.  Carroll hit all eight free throws down the stretch to seal the win.  Senior Ellen Gray added 16 points and all three 3-pointers for the Eagles.  All three came after halftime as the Eagles struggled shooting the ball, making only 41 percent from the floor and 20 percent from long range.

In the second half Asbury turned up the pressure and forced 11 turnovers while shooting an improved 46 percent from the floor.  Brescia shot 46 percent in the half and 48 percent for the game.  The Lady Bearcats were led by Holly Simons with 18 points. 

The Eagles will play for the 2012 KIAC Tournament Championship on Monday at 5:30 p.m. against the winner of the #2 seed Indiana Southeast and #3 Alice Lloyd.  That game will take place at 5:30 p.m. this evening.