Atkins edges Alma, 56-55

The Alma Lady Airedales blew out to a 17-5 lead in the first quarter of Tuesday's non conference matchup with Atkins. 

 

But seven fourth quarter turnovers helped the Lady Red Devils escape with a 56-55 win at Charles B. Dyer Arena. 

 

Alma (0-1) will host Springdale Friday. 

 

The Lady Airedales led 18-7 after one quarter, but Atkins went ahead 23-22 at the half. Lydia Mann's three-point play tied the game (39-39) with 0:06 left in the third quarter. 

 

Loryn Kelley led Alma with 21 points and seven rebounds. Junior Chloe Trusty added 13 points and six boards. 

 

Alma fought back from a 45-39 deficit to close to within one (50-49) with 2:51 left on Kelley's fifth 3-pointer of the game. A quick steal and another basket by Kelley put Alma ahead 51-50 with 2:42 left to play. 

 

On the same series of events, however, sophomore Lydia Mann injured her knee and was carried off the floor. Coach Codey Mann hoped to have a better idea as to the extent of her injury Wednesday. 

 

Atkins went ahead, 54-51, but Trusty's layup and a steal and two foul shots by Kenzie Rushing gave Alma a 55-54 lead with 1:41 left in the game. 

 

Alma missed two foul shots and two field goal attempts in the final 90 seconds . 

 

For Alma, Mann and Halyn Carmack finished with nine and seven points, respectively. 

 

Abbi Grace Cunningham and Ashton Dillard had 15 points each for the winners.