Kentucky Christian Rallies to AAC Triumph Against Reinhardt

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of Greg Spell/G-RoxPhotos.com

GRAYSON, Ky. – A 3-pointer with just three seconds left by Jalin Wimberly went astray as Reinhardt couldn't come back on Kentucky Christian in Grayson on Saturday evening in a 78-76 defeat to the Knights in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play.

The Eagles (5-3, 5-3 AAC) had a lead of nine points in the first half and went to the locker room ahead, 39-33, but eventually couldn't prevent Kentucky Christian from coming from behind for the win.

"Another tough game but a good effort from our guys," head coach Justin Newton said. "It's disappointing for sure to be on the wrong side of this one, but we will get back to practice and try to continue to get better from this loss."

Tafari Thomas – 22 points and 11 rebounds – was one of two players to get double-doubles for Reinhardt, as he was joined by Wimberly and his 17 points, 10 boards and 4 assists.

Chris Rogers also got the start and added 17 tallies and a half-dozen rebounds.

In a game where both teams appeared to be evenly matched, momentum shifts and any type of run on the scoreboard would be magnified. The Eagles' half-dozen point cushion would climb to as high as nine tallies (50-41) three minutes into the final period, but the Knights would chip away and regain the lead briefly, 55-54, with 12:18 remaining in the conference clash.

The rest of the contest would be a back-and-forth battle between two hungry groups. Kentucky Christian would get its biggest advantage (76-71) with just over three minutes left, but it wasn't out of the woods yet.

Greg Hobbs made a basket with 19 seconds left to get Reinhardt back within one, and the Knights left the door open after missing the second attempt of a free throw session, but the hosts escaped the final possession unscathed.

Individually, Marcus Kirkland chipped in with nine points and four boards off the bench.

The hometown squad shot 30-of-70 (42.9 percent) in defeat.

Another quick step outside the AAC is up next as the Roadrunners of Dalton State (Ga.) welcome Reinhardt for a matchup on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.

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