Depth, Length Aids in Back-to-Back Wins Over Cavs

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of Montreat (N.C.) Sports Information

MONTREAT, N.C. – For the second time this month, men's basketball took the floor against Montreat (N.C.) and left victorious after the Eagles claimed a 10-point victory over the Cavaliers, 84-74, to keep pace in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) race. 

Moses Jones shined for the hometown club off the bench with a team-high 20 points on 8-of-18 from the floor, including four treys. Tafari Thomas – who also came off the bench – was next in line with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.

"Huge road victory for our guys," head coach Justin Newton said. "I think it was one of our best defensive efforts of the year and we really gang rebounded tonight. I think our depth and length gave them problems, and Montreat is one of the best and most physical teams in our league – we have a lot of respect for them. We didn't have anyone play over 30 minutes tonight, and that was a huge part of our constant effort tonight that we had more guys step up and play big minutes.

"We have created another opportunity for ourselves to go compete at the top of our league Monday and I'm sure both teams will be ready to go."

A two-point advantage at halftime (38-36) was stretched out even more in the second period after Reinhardt combined to shoot 29-for-63 (46 percent) and hit 10 attempts from deep in the process. The Eagles used their hustle on the glass, 12 offensive boards, and aggressiveness to get to the line to nearly tally 50 points in the second half.

The minutes were widespread throughout the roster as Newton's bunch had two additional players – Josh Press and Jalin Wimberly – also hit double-figure scoring with 11 and 12 points, respectively.

Not only was playing time spread out between the student-athletes, but so was the sharing of the basketball (14 assists), as Reinhardt saw four players earn three dime each.

Not to be outdone, Tyler Smith added nine points and five rebounds, while both Kristian Collins and Greg Hobbs netted eight tallies apiece.

Montreat was forced into 17 turnovers and was a victim of eight thefts in the loss.

The second of three-consecutive road outings to end the regular season is Monday afternoon at Point (Ga.) – the leader in the AAC standings – beginning at 4 p.m.

Reinhardt beat the Skyhawks earlier in the year at home, 84-67. 

For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram. 

For more information on Reinhardt Men's Basketball, please click here.