Reinhardt Hosts 1st Annual Thanksgiving Classic

By Angel Cornista

Waleska, GA – Reinhardt hosted the First Annual Thanksgiving Classic in the Brown Athletic Center as they welcomed Thomas University (GA), William Carrey University (MS), and the University of Mobile (AL).  

Reinhardt did not get the start they hoped for, as four Eagle turnovers gave the Rams of Mobile an 8-2 lead in the first half. With five new players in the game, the Eagles came back 6-8 but miscommunication on the Eagle help-side defense, assisted the Rams to take a 9-point run which made the score 23-11. The Eagles continued to struggle on the defensive side as they could not stop the Rams on the 3-point line.  

With the Eagles down 26-38, Tafari Thomas created noise with a windmill dunk assisted by Marcus Kirkland. The Rams did not let up as they shot 53% at the 3-point line to Reinhardt's 23%. This would set the score to 31-45 with Eagles down leading into half-time.  

Headed into the second half with nothing on the board for the first three minutes, Reinhardt looked to be first on the board with 2. The Eagles could not capitalize on Rams turnovers as the visiting team held their lead of 61-42 within minutes of the second half.  

Head coach Justin Newton looked to make changes at the Eagles went on an 11-point run with Jaylin Wimberly adding two dunks to hold the Rams to 64 points to Reinhardt's 59. The Eagles continued to fight as they came back from being down 18 points to being down 5 points with 3:06 left in the game. The Rams put Kristin Collins on the line as he went 2-for-2 at the line to put Eagles down two 64-66 with 1:40 left in the second half. 

As both teams were in bonus, the Rams put Dereck Lampkin on the line as he also went 2-for-2 on the line to tie the game 66-66 with 56 seconds left. Shortly after, the Rams were on the line to gain the lead 68-66. Following this, Collins made an in the paint jumper to tie the game 68-68 with 18.6 left on the clock. Greg Hobbs had full control as he made a layup with 4.8 left on the clock with Eagles up 70-68. Reinhardt held their ground to open the First Annual Thanksgiving Classic with a win over the Rams of Mobile. 

Reinhardt vs. University of Mobile

• Jalin Wimberly led the offense with 20 points. 
• Tafari Thomas had 10 points and led in rebounds with 9. 
• Reinhardt out worked the Rams in the second half 39-23. 

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