WALESKA, Ga. – The Milligan men's basketball team fell short after a hard-fought battle with the Reinhardt University Eagles in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) season, losing in overtime by a score of 88-80.
The first half was tight the whole way, as the Buffs jumped out to an early lead and held it almost the whole half, although the Eagles were able to keep it close, as Milligan never reached a lead over seven points. Both teams struggled from the three-point line, as Milligan shot 2-of-10 from behind the arc to Reinhardt's clip of 2-of-12. However, Milligan's field goal percentage of 45% ended up being the difference in the half, as Reinhardt was only able to shoot it at a 36% clip. Milligan entered the half leading 35-29. Sam Gold and Jayme Peay led the way with 9 points each in the half, and McCaskill Rivers added 6. Finn McClure led the way on the boards for the Buffs with 5, with Peay and Handje Tamba contributing with 4 rebounds each.
The second half was just as tight as the first, as the back-and-forth battle saw several lead changes, with the lead getting no larger than eight (Milligan). Both teams shot similar clips from the field (Milligan- 44%; Reinhardt- 43%), and the Buffs were 3-of-6 from three-point range to Reinhardt's 2-of-8. However, the Eagles won the battle at the free throw line decisively, shooting 86% from the charity stripe to the Buffs' 47%. Rivers led the Buffs with 10 points in the half, while also pulling down 5 boards. Piripi Korent led Milligan on the glass in the half with 6, and both Korent and Gold contributed with 3 assists each.
The score was tied at the end of regulation, which meant free basketball for the spectators and overtime play. Unfortunately for the Milligan faithful, Reinhardt outscored Milligan 14-6 in the overtime period and got the win on their home court. The Eagles controlled OT the whole way, shooting 67% from the field, 100% from the free throw line, and draining 2 clutch threes to seal the deal. In the end, the Buffs dropped to 6-3 on the season and 2-2 in AAC conference play.
Rivers led the Buffs in scoring with 21 (8-of-20 shooting), as both Gold (6-of-8 shooting) and Peay (5-of-9 shooting) followed with 15 each. Gold (4) and Korent (3) led the way in assists. Korent and Peay controlled the glass off the bench for the Buffs, with 10 and 8 rebounds respectively. Rivers and Tamba both added 6 rebounds, as well.
Free throws once again made the difference in this game, just as they did in the Buffs' win on Wednesday. However, this time Milligan felt the pressure of their visitor status, shooting a lackluster 17-37 (46%) from the stripe. The Eagles, in contrast, were able to capitalize at the free throw line, shooting 30-36 (83%).
Milligan will travel to Kentucky Christian University this Tuesday, Nov. 26 to try and bounce back in conference play. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
