Reinhardt Takes Fourth-Straight Triumph Tuesday

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – Men's basketball used a big second half to grab another win within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) over Bryan (Tenn.), 90-75, Tuesday evening in the team's first game at home in nearly three weeks.

The Eagles hit their average point total on the season with 90 points to improve to 9-3 overall – four-straight triumphs – and 4-2 inside the AAC.

The hometown squad hit 46.5 percent of its shots (33-of-71), including one of its best performances of the year behind the arc with 12 treys. Individually, Tyler Smith was out-front in scoring with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Kristian Collins was right behind him with 18 tallies and a half-dozen boards.

Josh Press added 17 off the bench.

"Feels good to start the new year off in the win column," head coach Justin Newton said. "We definitely had some mental mistakes, but our depth really helped us. I felt like we had spurts where we really defended and rebounded the ball well. Bryan is one of the most-disciplined teams in our league and really gave us fits at times. We protected home court and that's one of our goals.

"Hopefully we can continue that Thursday."

A back-and-forth affair in the first half was blown wide open in the second period after Reinhardt used hard work on both sides of the floor to overcome a small 43-42 deficit at the break and end with a 15-point cushion.

The Eagles used toughness to get to the free throw line (12-for-15) and the 12 deep balls (44.4 percent) to take a commanding lead – as big as 17 on multiple occasions – all while trailing by six with 16:09 remaining.

In fact, Reinhardt found itself down, 58-57, at 11:31; but never trailed again.

The Lions made things interesting and got within 71-70 with 6:04 left, but were held to only five more tallies the rest of the way as the Eagles stepped on the gas.

Reinhardt looks to continue its winning ways on Thursday against Kentucky Christian at home. 

Tip is set for 4 p.m.

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