Bulldogs Bite the Eagles in AAC Semifinals

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Eagles' hopes of competing for the AAC Championship title vanished on Friday after Reinhardt was eliminated from contention by Tennessee Wesleyan in a big way, 79-53, in Kingsport in the conference semifinals.

The hometown squad snapped its six-game winning streak en route to a 19-8 mark.

Kristian Collins was a bright spot for the Eagles with 13 points and four rebounds, and joining him in double figures was Tyler Smith (10), who was the only other Reinhardt player with 10-plus points in the contest.

"We just didn't have it tonight offensively," head coach Justin Newton said. "When we can't make shots, we put a lot of pressure on our defense to carry us and that only can go so far. I'm proud of the season these guys have put together. Hopefully, the right thing is done, and we get a national tournament bid.

"We will wait and see."

The Eagles did indeed struggle shooting the basketball to the tune of 32.7 percent (17-of-52), including just 5-for-28 from 3-point land.

A slow start turned into an eight-point deficit at the half – 34-26 – but the Bulldogs poured it on over the final 20 minutes on both ends of the floor and exploded to a 45-27 period. Tennessee Wesleyan smothered the Reinhardt offense and forced it into bad decisions, resulting in 21 turnovers.

Off the bench, Tafari Thomas posted nine points and seven rebounds. Moses Jones added six tallies and four boards as well.

Up next is the NAIA men's basketball selection show for the National Championship, which takes place on Thursday, March 4 at 8 p.m., to see if Reinhardt gets a spot in the field. 

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