Men's Basketball Storms Back in Second Half to Edge Truett McConnell (Ga.)

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Reinhardt capped off a tough Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) road trip with a perfect 3-0 mark after coming from behind against the Bears of Truett McConnell (Ga.), 76-73, Tuesday night after a 3-pointer to tie from the hosts bounced off the iron in the final seconds.

The Eagles have held strong near the very top of the league standings for much of February, and tonight's outcome against the Bears pushes their record to 18-7 and 13-6 within the AAC.

Reinhardt continued to spread the wealth on the offensive end as all five starters hit the 10-plus-point plateau – with Tyler Smith out-front in scoring with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting in just 22 minutes of play.

Greg Hobbs had 12 tallies (along with five assists), Jalin Wimberly got 11 and both Josh Press and Kristian Collins netted 10 points each.

"We played back-to-back days and went on the road and played one of the hottest teams in the conference right now – down 12 – and fought back and won," lead Eagle Justin Newton said. "That is absolute mental toughness and belief in each other. Per the guys' suggestion, we cranked up the full-court pressure and it really changed the game along with some huge rebounds down the stretch. I'm so lucky to get to coach this group; they truly are a player-led team.

"We are excited for a new season and an opportunity to compete for a conference tournament championship and national tournament berth on the line. Go Eagles!"

It looked to be shaping up as Truett McConnell's night in the opening half after the Bears were able to rebound from an early 19-14 deficit seven minutes into the contest and turn the period on its head by steadily moving in front until an eight-point lead for the hosts sent the teams to intermission at 41-33.

The aforementioned 12-point hole came with 17:27 remaining in the contest (46-34), and in a matter of four minutes, the Eagles were back within a pair at 53-51 thanks to miscues by Truett McConnell with the basketball. The comeback attempt was complete just a couple possessions later after Press hit a trey for a one-point advantage – and from there – Reinhardt took off.

The Bears tied the score at 54 with a free throw but couldn't hold down the Eagles any longer as they flew out to an eight-tally lead at 66-58 and eventually got to double figures with just over five minutes to go at 72-61.

Things did get interesting, however, in the last 2:41 following a basket by Reinhardt to go back up by 10 points. Truett McConnell would leave it all on its home floor and get back within striking distance – and potential overtime – after blocking a Hobbs lay-up attempt with 31 seconds left.

The Bears would get multiple opportunities to tie the game in regulation after a missed free throw by the Eagles, but they failed to connect on any attempt from deep.

The hometown team shot 43.1 percent in the victory, but made just five treys and 15-of-26 from the charity stripe.

Three starters pulled down at least a half-dozen rebounds in the game, and off the bench, Tafari Thomas was strong with 9 points, 4 boards and 2 steals.

The top eight teams in the conference will advance to the 2021 AAC Tournament, which is set for Feb. 24-27 at the MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport, Tenn.

Reinhardt now awaits word on its first opponent in the postseason. 

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