Eagles Fall in Narrow Loss at Columbia; Eyes on AAC Tournament

Columbia, SC - Reinhardt Men's Basketball wrapped up its 2024-25 regular season on Saturday by visiting the Koalas of Columbia University.  In a narrow overtime defeat 103-99, the Eagles finish the regular season in 8th place overall in the AAC standings.

Tee Williams was the standout performer for Reinhardt University, scoring a game-high 31 points, securing 4 steals, and contributing 3 assists, showcasing his all-around talent. Zae Wiggins also made significant contributions, scoring 11 points and tied for the top assists alongside Williams. Derrick Brown dominated the boards, grabbing 7 rebounds, matching his scoring tally of 11 points.

The game started with energy as Williams dunked the ball, setting the tone for Reinhardt. Nate Jones further energized the team with his crucial 3-pointers. The Eagles went into halftime with a 47-38 lead, and this continued throughout the second half.  Reinhardt was able to maintain a good lead in the second half behind Brasen James' 18 points. James' shots were vital for Reinhardt, but Columbia's bench and defensive plays proved pivotal, slowly chipping away at the Eagle lead down the stretch.

It took every second of the game for the Koalas to work their way back into the game, and they were able to tie the game on a two-second layup as time dropped off the clock.  The game went to overtime tied at 93 all. In the overtime period, neither team could generate much offense, but the Koalas were able to establish a small lead and maintain the narrow lead into the final seconds. A few Koala free throws and a couple of Reinhardt missed three-pointers would give the game to the home team as time ran out.

Reinhardt University now stands at a season record of 12-15, with a conference record of 9-11. The team now turns its attention to the AAC Tournament, which will begin on Wednesday, February 26th.  The Eagles will face Georgia rival Truett McConnel in game one of the tournament at 2 pm on Wednesday. The two teams split during the regular season with both winning their home games.  The most recent game was just a few days ago where Reinhardt won in a heated contest that ultimately put the Eagles ahead in the standings.  Below is the final standings and the tournament schedule.  All games will be broadcasted by Gabriel Schray on the Southeast Sports Network. SOUTHEAST SPORTS NETWORK YOUTUBE

Final AAC Men's Basketball Standings

1. Pikeville (23-5, 16-4 AAC)
2. Milligan (19-9, 14-6 AAC)*
3. Columbia International (19-6, 14-6 AAC)*
4. Johnson (18-9, 14-6 AAC)*
5. Bryan (15-10, 13-7 AAC)
6. Montreat (18-10, 12-8 AAC)
7. Tennessee Wesleyan (12-13, 11-9 AAC)
8. Reinhardt (12-15, 9-11 AAC)**
9. Truett McConnell (12-14, 9-11 AAC)**
10. Union Commonwealth (12-14, 8-12 AAC)

Tournament Schedule
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Game 1 - No. 8 Reinhardt (12-15) vs. No. 9 Truett McConnell (12-14), 2:30 pm
Game 2 - No. 7 Tennessee Wesleyan (12-13) vs. No. 10 Union Commonwealth (12-14), 4:15 pm

Thursday, Feb. 27
Game 3 - No. 1 Pikeville (23-5) vs. Game 1 Winner, 12 pm
Game 4 - No. 4 Johnson (18-9) vs. No. 5 Bryan (15-10), 1:45 pm
Game 5 - No. 2 Milligan (19-9) vs. Game 2 Winner, 7:30 pm
Game 6 - No. 3 Columbia International (19-6) vs. No. 6 Montreat (18-10), 9:15 pm

Friday, Feb. 28
Game 7 - Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner, 6 pm
Game 8 - Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner, 8 pm

Saturday, March 1
Game 9 - Championship Game - Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner, 3 pm

The tournament bracket will be updated daily on www.AACSports.com