Huge Road Win for the Eagles!

David Finney | photo by Holly Heath

Kimberlin Heights, TN - In the Appalachian Athletic Conference, sometimes the difference between winning and losing each game can be determined by a point or two. The Eagles have seen their fair share of close games over the past three weeks - just narrowly losing some they could have easily won. Sometimes it is good to have a breather where you can just play and enjoy the game and this was the case on Thursday afternoon as the Eagles were on the road visiting Johnson University.

Some of the tough, narrow point losses over the past three weeks have let the Eagles drop some in the conference standings, however, a few wins can put them right back in the mix of the top five in the league. During the season, it comes down to taking care of business when the opportunity is there and this can separate the top teams from the rest. The Eagles were able to take care of business on Thursday afternoon defeating Johnson 76 to 31.  This was a much-needed win, but more importantly - it showed that this team still has a lot left to play for this season.

Tarrah Gibson would strike first scoring on a jump shot to open the game. Johnson would answer on a three-pointer taking their only lead of the game around the eight-minute mark of the first quarter.  Gibson would quickly answer with another layup putting the Eagles up by one and they would never look back. Reinhardt would keep the scoring going building up the lead to 16-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Brooke Grinstead hit two back-to-back three-pointers early in the second quarter and it was a huge moment that basically set the tone for the game. Abi Haynes was the floor leader along with her backcourt partner, Catherine Shope, and they were able to control the game and get all the Eagles in the scoring act. By midway through the second quarter, the Eagles pushed to a twenty-point lead on a three-pointer by Julia Craft. Emilee Swafford answered that with a layup and the lead pushed to twenty-three points. Johnson did follow up with a few made baskets cutting the lead slightly, but Reinhardt would enjoy a 35-18 lead at halftime.

Shope would hit a three-pointer to get the third quarter going and it was quickly followed with a layup by Haynes. Haynes was able to keep scoring eventually pushing the lead to thirty, 52-22. The lead would continue to grow through the remaining minutes of the third and into the fourth quarter with the Eagles finishing with the win, 76-31.

Abi Haymes would lead all scorers with 19 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. Brylee Pucket would lead the Eagles in rebounding with 8. There were several Eagles just under double-digit scoring - Catherine Shope-9, Tarrah Gibson-8, Julia Craft-8, Brooke Grinstead-9, Emilee Swafford-8, and Torie Williams with 6 points on two three-pointers.

It was a good game to get a road conference win where all Eagles contributed and hopefully we will see the Eagles get on a streak to finish up the regular season. They will be back in action on Saturday afternoon with a home game against CIU. Come out and cheer on your Eagles and help them get back-to-back victories!