WALESKA, Ga. -- In an Appalachian Athletic Conference game on Saturday afternoon, the Reinhardt University men's basketball team claimed a 76-69 win over the visiting Tennessee Wesleyan College Bulldogs inside the James & Sis Brown Athletic Center.

Reinhardt never trailed in the contest and led 32-16 with five minutes left in the opening half. After holding a 39-25 lead at the intermission, the Eagles increased their advantage to 17 points on three occasions before Tennessee Wesleyan pulled to within 71-66 with less than two minutes remaining.

Reinhardt finished at 50.0 percent (30-of-60) from the field, including 39.1 percent (9-of-23) from behind the three-point arc while the Bulldogs shot 40.0 percent (22-of-55) and 37.5 percent (6-of-16), respectively. From the free throw line, TWC hit 19-of-26 (73.1 percent) while the Eagles were just 7-of-16 (43.8 percent). Reinhardt committed only eight turnovers and dished out 22 assists, compared to 13 and eight, respectively, for the guests. Tennessee Wesleyan ended with a 37-32 edge in rebounds.

Ishmael John had 18 points, a season-high eight rebounds and two steals for the winners while freshman Matt Porter tallied a career-best 18 points, five boards and a pair of steals. Jerome Carmichael came up with 10 points, a season- and game-high seven assists, and six rebounds while Tyler Blackwell scored nine points. Luke Joseph came off the bench to register eight points, five boards and a game-best four blocked shots.

The Eagles improve to 10-9 overall and 5-3 in the AAC while the Bulldogs are 12-9 overall, including 6-2 in conference play. Reinhardt plays an AAC contest at the Point University Skyhawks on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in East Point, Ga., following the Reinhardt-Point women's game that is slated for 5:30 p.m.