Eagles Fall to CIU Again in Game One of AAC Tournament

Kingsport, TN - The Eagles had good momentum heading into the AAC Tournament this year. After coming off a big win against Kentucky Christian early last week, the Eagles needed to win their final game of the regular season for the possibility of securing the #2 spot just behind undefeated Union College. The Eagles were able to beat Tennessee Wesleyan in that final game to secure that coveted second spot. Everything was lining up for the Eagles to make a good run at this year's AAC Tournament Title, however, it was the Rams of CIU that would take them out for the second year in a row.

The game started out tight, but the Eagles were able to open up a nine-point lead midway through the first half. Greg Hobbs assist to the high-flying Tafari Thomas who threw down a monstrous dunk coming off the baseline gave the feel to Eagles fans that this was their night to move onto the semifinals of the tournament. 

Reinhardt was able to extend this lead to thirteen points with about six minutes left and then things started to change. The Eagles went cold and CIU started heating up to cut into the significant Reinhardt lead. By the half, CIU was in just four points of the Eagles, 38-34.

The second half would stay close through the majority of the half, but the Eagles would retain their lead until the twelve-minute mark. The Rams went up 51-50 at this point and scoring became a problem for the Eagles. The Rams could not pull away from Reinhardt as the score would stay within five points for the majority of the final seven minutes of the game.  CIU would pull away slightly in the final two minutes and the Eagles would have to start fouling in order to have a chance.

CIU was able to shoot their free throws to close out the game on the Eagles with the final score of 82-71 and putting the Eagles into watch mode as they will see if things fall their way to get into the National Tournament.

Tafari Thomas led the Eagles in scoring with 19 points and he was followed by Tyler Smith with 16 points. Greg Hobbs contributed 14 points at the point guard spot. Team leader, Jalin Wimberly, had an off-night shooting going 2 for 10 from the field and only scoring 5 points. Hopefully, this is not the end for this talented team and they get a shot to make a run in the NAIA National Tournament.  Eagles fans will have to sit and wait to see how Union does in the next couple of games.