Columbia International Takes Out Reinhardt in Impromptu Matchup

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of CIU Sports Information

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In a sudden, change-of-schedule move on Tuesday afternoon, the Eagles lined up against Columbia International (S.C.) in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play inside the Moore Fitness Center.

The Rams welcomed Reinhardt to town and evened-up the season series at a game apiece following a 98-90 final score as DJ Lampkin scored a team-best 25 points (nine rebounds) and Josh Press added 20 tallies and seven boards.

The hometown team has now lost back-to-back outings to fall to 10-5 and 5-4 within the AAC.

Columbia International used a big opening half to bolt to a 16-tally cushion at the end of 20 minutes (54-38), but the Eagles came out of the locker room with renewed focus and energy to get back within 10 in the matter of less than four minutes.

Down by eight at 63-55 with 14:39 remaining, the momentum would swing back to the Rams as they got their advantage back to a comfortable margin in double digits – including a game-high 19 (79-60) beginning with just under nine minutes left.

The visitors wouldn't go away as they gave it one more run to get back into the contest. Reinhardt made things interesting again in the final minutes as it got within two possessions at 93-87 with 53 seconds left on the clock.

The comeback attempt wouldn't be fulfilled, however, as Columbia International did what it needed to do at the charity stripe to earn the win.

Collectively, the Eagles made 31-of-72 shots (43.1 percent), hit eight treys and got to the free-throw line 30 times – making 20 attempts.

Moses Jones and Marcus Kirkland added 10 points each, and Jamison Syphore netted eight rebounds to go along with a half-dozen points as well.

The team returns to Waleska for the first of a three-game homestand beginning on Thursday night against Point (Ga.). 

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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