Reinhardt Can't Find a Rhythm at Bulldogs

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Reinhardt men's basketball was unable to claim back-to-back victories within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) on Saturday night, as Union (Ky.) proved-to-be too strong on their home hardwood in a 70-55 decision.

The Eagles (4-9, 3-5 AAC) were only able to get to the free throw line eight times (4-for-8) all night, as Marcus Kirkland had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals and Blake McIntyre added 11 of his own – the only other Reinhardt student-athlete in double-digit scoring.

"Winning on the road is tough but we didn't guard very well and are just not a consistent team right now," head coach Justin Newton said. "We didn't handle adversity very well today, either. We must have a short memory and move on to St. Andrews."

The Bulldogs would get three of their five starters in double figures as they took a seven-point lead at the break and methodically pushed it to a game-high 24 with 7:10 remaining in the second half. Reinhardt's hole would be too deep to overcome the rest of the way, but positives can be taken out of the effort to get back within 13 points late.

The Eagles would lead only once the entire night at 14-13 after a 3-pointer at the 12:50 mark in the opening period.

Collectively, the hometown team was 22-of-53 from the floor (41.5 percent) and committed 14 miscues. Of those 22 makes, the team did register 15 assists – led by four from Josh Daniels – who was unable to find the scorebook on the offensive end with zero points.

Jordan Wright added nine points and four rebounds, while Chris Rogers netted 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench. 

The squad wraps up the month of December with a road matchup with the Knights of St. Andrews (N.C.) on Monday at 2 p.m.

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