Reinhardt Loses on Huge Milligan Comeback

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of Greg Spell/G-RoxPhotos.com
 
WALESKA, Ga. – Milligan (Tenn.) erased an 18-point lead in just over a half to come from behind and steal victory away from Reinhardt inside the Brown Athletic Center on Sunday afternoon, 74-70.

The Buffaloes flipped the momentum in the second period after being down by 13 at the break, 47-34, to the tune of a 40-23 score over the final 20 minutes. The visitors were able to slow down a hot Eagle offense and catch fire themselves to take another positive outcome within the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

This story of two halves can be simplified to the shooting percentages in each half by both teams. The hometown squad jumped out to a big advantage by getting good looks in a 19-for-33 stretch in the opening 20 minutes (57.6 percent). On the other hand, Milligan couldn't quite get its offense to hit its stride at 38.5 percent.

As the Buffaloes began to put pressure on its hosts, the Eagles couldn't respond enough times to keep the lead from slipping away. Time and time again, Milligan would score and then force an empty possession on the other end, or put Reinhardt on the line to make free throws, where the Eagles went 6-for-15.

Additionally, the largest lead of the contest for the Buffaloes came in the final seconds after a made free throw for a four-point advantage.

Four Reinhardt student-athletes hit double-digit points, beginning with Blake McIntyre and his 15 tallies and four assists. Dwayne Wilson and Josh Daniels (off the bench) were up next with 11 points, while Kye Jeremiah added 10 points and five rebounds.

Not to be outdone, Marcus Kirkland contributed 8 rebounds, 7 points, 3 assists and 2 steals.

For the game, Reinhardt connected on 27-of-62 attempts with 20 dimes in defeat.

The Eagles also forced 15 Buffalo miscues.

The team has about a week off before heading to South Carolina to face Columbia International for the second time in three outings.

Tip is set for 4 p.m. on Feb. 15. 

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