Eagles Outlast Royals in 102-96 Opener in Tennessee

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Four players in double figures, including a team-best 19 points off the bench from Tafari Thomas, helped Reinhardt men's basketball earn a season-opening road win against National Christian College Athletic Association member Johnson (Tenn.), 102-96, on Thursday night.

The Eagles (1-0) almost saw a big second-half lead of 21 points evaporate in less than nine minutes thanks to a game-high 34 tallies from the Royals' Coby Jones, but they were able to hold off their hosts in crunch time to secure the triumph.

"It was definitely a roller coaster as we showed flashes of being really good," head coach Justin Newton said. "We really rebounded the ball today and shared the ball on offense. A win is a win (especially on the road) and I'm proud of our guys.

"We can't wait to get back home and defend home court this Saturday."

Reinhardt shot 39-of-76 on the night (51.3 percent) while making 11 treys in the victory. The Eagles outrebounded Johnson by a wide margin, 49-31, helping them get second-chance opportunities.

Nearly every player who checked into the contest found their way into the scorebook for Newton's bunch, and three starters – all in their first game for Reinhardt – notched double-digit scoring on the evening.

Jalin Wimberly (8-for-15) and Kristian Collins (7-of-11; 4-of-6 from deep) both netted 18 points, while Tyler Smith added 14 tallies in 19 minutes of action.

It wasn't just the scoring column Wimberly was strong in, either, as he collected 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals as well.

Josh Press also produced eight tallies and eight boards, as eight players for the hometown club gathered eight points or more.

The Royals got hot in the final portion of the second period, but were held to 43.7 percent shooting for the game. They also put up 34 treys (making 11) and missed 10 free throws in 33 attempts.

The Eagles forced Johnson into 14 turnovers in defeat.

The home opener at the Brown Athletic Center is on Saturday afternoon when the Barons of Brewton-Parker (Ga.) come to town for a Halloween matchup.

Tip is scheduled for 3 p.m. 

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