WALESKA, Ga. -- In its final non-conference contest of the season on Monday evening, the Reinhardt College men's basketball team dropped a close 77-75 decision at the NCAA Division II North Greenville University Crusaders after leading by 15 points late in the first half inside Hayes Gymnasium.  

North Greenville led 24-18 before Reinhardt took command with a 26-5 run. Up 44-31 at halftime, the Eagles held the advantage until the Crusaders reclaimed the lead with just over two minutes remaining. The lead changed hands twice more and the score was tied, 75-75, before NGU hit a shot with just two seconds left.

Each team made 25 field goals, but Reinhardt attempted 74 (33.8 percent) and North Greenville 48 (52.1 percent). From three-point range, the Eagles shot 11-of-35 (31.4 percent) while the hosts were an efficient 5-of-9 (55.6 percent). Reinhardt had an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio, racking up 17 assists while committing a season-low four turnovers.

Kordel Alexander and Aaron Darling tossed in 16 points apiece for the Eagles while Mario Mason scored 10. Wes Jones chipped in with five rebounds and a game-high five assists.

Reinhardt dips to 9-19 overall while the Crusaders move to 11-16. The Eagles will be on the road for a Southern States Athletic Conference contest against the Shorter College Hawks this Thursday. Tipoff in Rome, Ga., is slated for 8 p.m., following the Reinhardt-Shorter women's game, which starts at 6 p.m.