By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
WALESKA, Ga. – A strong second half from Point (Ga.) sent the Eagles to their second loss on their home floor of the young season, 67-48, Wednesday night in the league opener for Reinhardt.
The Eagles' (1-2, 0-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) slow start on the offensive end continued into conference action as they registered just 30 percent shooting from the floor – 18-for-60 – and connected on just a pair of 3-pointers in 20 tries.
"We are struggling offensively and have to make adjustments," lead Eagle Justin Newton said. "Two games in-a-row, guys that we rely on to score for us just have not got it going. I have to do a better job getting those guys in good spots. I was pleased with us in the first half defensively. We have a good group of guys that have something to prove, and I have no doubt they will respond.
We have a quick turnaround, so we have to move on in a positive direction."
The two groups would feel each other out for the first nine minutes of action and end up all-square at 15-15. From there, however, the Skyhawks finished the half on a 13-7 run to hold some cushion between them and the Eagles at 28-22 at the break.
Point was able to connect on some early shots in the second half to slowly pull away from its host, as the Skyhawks came up with timely baskets just went it seemed like the Eagles could grab momentum. Conversely, Reinhardt would have chances time and time again to get closer to Point, but couldn't come through with the game-changing bucket.
Dwayne Wilson was 7-of-15 on the evening to lead the team in scoring at 14 points to go along with a squad-best five rebounds. Joining him at the 10-plus-point plateau was Josh Daniels with 10 points and three boards.
The offense was widespread throughout the lineup as ten players earned at least two points.
The defense did cause some havoc for the Skyhawk offense in defeat by forcing 20 turnovers, resulting in 16 points.
Jervon Walker blocked two shots along the way.
Reinhardt looks ahead to an exhibition with NCAA Division I Georgia Southern on Friday night before coming back home Saturday for more league action against the Rams of Bluefield (Va.).
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