Reinhardt Closed Out Thanksgiving Classic (2-0)

By Angel Cornista

Waleska, GA. – Reinhardt closed out the first annual Thanksgiving Classic (2-0) as they faced the University of Mobile (AL) and William Carey University (MS) in the Brown Athletic Center.

The first half opened with the Eagles shooting 42% at the three-point line to make the score 8-8. However, the Crusaders of William Carey played with urgency to gain the lead 16-13. Both teams continued to play aggressively as multiple offensive turnovers worked in the favor of the opposing team. 

Reinhardt held the Crusaders at 16 points for five minutes as the Eagles went on a 14-point run to make the score 24-16. Back-to-back missed shots gave wiggle room for the Crusaders to step in to tie the game 25-25. However, the Eagles did not let up, as great ball movement worked in their favor to finish the first half with the lead of 35-31. 

Tafari Thomas led the Eagle offense with 8 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams collected 6 turnovers headed into half-time. 

The Eagles opened the second half with full control as they added more on the board to gain a 6-point lead over the Crusaders (37-31). Multiple turnovers from both sides, slowed the board but the Eagles responded with 10 points on board to hold the lead 47-39 with 11:00 minutes left in the game. 

The Crusaders could not keep their head on a swivel, as the Eagles maintained great ball movement to capitalize on shots made to hold a 13-point lead with 3:31 on the clock. Jalin Wimberly and Kristian Collins kept their composure as they complied two dunks assisted by Greg Hobbs and Jamison Syphore. The Eagles kept the lead 65-54 as the Crusaders put pressure on the ball with a full court press with 2:00 minutes left on the clock. Thomas looked to add a dunk assisted by Marcus Kirkland. 

As the Crusaders held their press, the Eagles did not fall under pressure as they defeated William Carey 71 - 56 as this would complete the First Annual Thanksgiving Classic. 

Reinhardt vs. William Carey

• Jalin Wimberly led the offense with 15-points with Keyshaun Street not far behind with 14 points. 
• Tafari Thomas collected 12 points and 8 rebounds, as well as Kristian Collins with 11 points and 5 rebounds. 
• Wimberly, Thomas, and Collins each got a dunk. 

The Eagles will be back in the Brown Athletic Center on December 1^st against the Cavaliers of Montreat University (NC) with tip-off set for 7:30pm. 

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 Women's Basketball, please click here.