Reinhardt Overpowers Truett McConnell in Thursday AAC Battle

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – A stellar opening period resulted in 49 points – and a 23-point lead – and ultimately helped men's basketball defeat Truett McConnell (Ga.) on Thursday night inside the Brown Athletic Center, 88-78.

Moses Jones helped spark the Eagles to a 12-5 record (7-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) with 18 points off the bench. He was joined in double digits by both Tafari Thomas (11 points) and Marcus Kirkland (10), who each played reserve roles as well.

"We played one of the best halves of basketball we have played all year and played so unselfish," head coach Justin Newton said. "Playing up big is hard and Truett did a great job battling back. Our bench was huge tonight and our depth played a huge part in finishing the game. We are continually getting better and I'm really proud of them for fighting through and finishing the job.

"Big game on Tuesday."

The Bears earned one tie and never led in the matchup after Reinhardt exploded out of the gate and played smooth offense and opportunistic defense. The hometown squad found itself ahead, 49-26, after posting 52.6 percent shooting (20-for-38) and outrebounding its guests, 28-14.

The game would see the deficit be as large as 25 tallies just seconds before the break.

To Truett McConnell's credit, the Bears came out renewed in the second half and forced the Eagles to rush on the offensive end. That change in play style resulted in Reinhardt committing numerous mistakes with the ball.

Little by little, the Bears chipped away at the huge hole they dug – and with 4:07 remaining – found themselves within two possessions at 79-75 after yet another steal resulted in a 3-pointer.

An offensive rebound and put-back by Greg Hobbs proved-to-be a monumental play in the outcome as it helped the Eagles right the ship and create separation once again. Truett McConnell wouldn't get that close again after missed shots and fouls pushed Reinhardt's lead back to double figures.

Kristian Collins chipped in with 10 points, and Hobbs came through with eight tallies to go along with four rebounds and three assists.

The club finished the night with 53.8 percent shooting (35-for-65) and had 17 assists, 12 steals and 10 players find the scorebook.

The Bears were forced into 23 turnovers in defeat.

Reinhardt hopes to keep the wins coming next Tuesday against Point (Ga.) – also at home – in a 7 p.m. clash. 

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