PIPPA PASSES, Ky. - Midway opened up a nine-point, second-half lead and held off a late Alice Lloyd rally, winning a thrilling 85-81, non-conference men's basketball matchup on Saturday.

The visiting Eagles trailed 41-40 at the half and fell behind 61-56 before putting together a 16-1 run that would keep them in the lead the rest of the game. 

The rally was started by an Amari Wales 3-pointer, as the senior guard led all players with 20 points, seven assists made all three of his 3-point tries.

Midway was efficient from behind the arc all night, making 10-of-21 attempts.

The home Eagles made things interesting late, getting within 84-81 off two Wilgus Tolson free throws, then having a chance to tie the game off a Midway free throw miss on the other end.

But after Evin Eversole missed a 3-point try, Wales pulled down the last of his team-high seven rebounds and was fouled with one second left. Though he missed the first free throw try, he made the second to clinch the win and improve Midway to 2-1 on the young season.

Sarvell Barksdale, Decoreio Smith and Sam Parrish all had great contributions to a balanced offense, scoring 17, 16 and 15 points respectively.

Midway won't play another official game for 10 days as next week brings two exhibitions against NCAA Division-I opponents, starting with a 7 p.m. tip at Morehead State on Monday.