Wimberly's Career-High Night Helps Eagles Take League Decision

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of Greg Spell/G-RoxPhotos.com

MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Jalin Wimberly posted a career-high 32 points and four other teammates registered double figures as the Eagles closed out the Buffaloes of Milligan (Tenn.), 94-89, to improve to 6-3 (2-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC)) on Thursday night.

The win for Reinhardt snaps a two-game skid in December against AAC foes where the hometown squad let victory slip away in the final moments by one possession.

Kristian Collins, who netted 19 points, made what could-have-been the shot of the night with 23 seconds left when he nailed a 3-pointer to give the Eagles a four-point lead at 92-88 after the hosts got back within one.

From there, Reinhardt was able to hit free throws and keep Milligan at arm's length the rest of the way.

"Total team win as we were road warriors and withstood the runs," head coach Justin Newton said. "All 10 guys that played, contributed. We really adjusted and guarded well the second half and several of our guys just made some special plays down the stretch. I always think Milligan is one of the most disciplined and well-coached teams in the league, so getting a win on the road is huge. We finally get to play in our gym Tuesday against a very good team in CIU and we are really excited about the challenge."

The Eagles were able to overcome a small first-half deficit (49-43) by clamping down on the defensive end while hitting crucial shots en route to an 11-point cushion in the second period, 51-40. The visitors were able to collect 32-of-76 from the floor (13 treys) and were strong from the charity stripe by hitting 81 percent – 17-for-21.

Both teams combined for 18 lead changes on the night, and Reinhardt made the most strides throughout the contest after overcoming a matchup-high nine-point hole in the first stanza. The efforts of DJ Lampkin (13 points) and both Josh Press and Tafari Thomas (11) also played key roles in the outcome.

Wimberly was just completely dominant by leading the team in points (32) to go along with 8 rebounds, 6 steals and 5 assists.

Lampkin and Thomas each pulled down a half-dozen boards as well.

Collectively, the Eagle offense was sparked by 15 thefts and a total of 20 Buffalo miscues.

The final AAC contest before holiday break – and first at home inside the Brown Athletic Center – comes on Dec. 15 against the Rams of Columbia International (S.C.).

Tip is set for 5 p.m. 

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