The Eagles Hold Off Columbia College 74-67

Waleska, GA- The Eagles used a wire-to-wire effort and a late defensive stand to secure a 74-67 win over Columbia. This win improves them to a 11-5 record and an 8-1 conference record.

The Eagles set the tone early, jumping out to an opening-quarter lead with efficient half-court offense and steady guard play. Reinhardt consistently generated quality looks in the paint and from midrange, forcing Columbia to play from behind for the entirety of the contest. Even as Columbia mounted several pushes, the Eagles' composure with the ball and execution in late-clock situations helped maintain control of the scoreboard.

Columbia's most threatening surge came in the second half, when back-to-back scores and increased ball pressure trimmed a once-comfortable Reinhardt cushion to just a few possessions. The Eagles responded with a key run built on defensive stops, closing out effectively on shooters and limiting Columbia to one shot per trip. Timely buckets out of Reinhardt's motion sets stopped the momentum and restored a working margin heading into the final minutes.

Down the stretch, the decisive sequence came on the defensive end. With Columbia threatening to get within one possession, Reinhardt forced a contested shot, secured the rebound and turned it into a transition basket that pushed the lead back to two possessions. From there, the Eagles patiently managed the clock, knocked down free throws and avoided turnovers to keep Columbia at arm's length. Reinhardt's balanced scoring and energy on both ends proved to be the difference in a game where Columbia refused to fade. The Eagles repeatedly found answers to Columbia's runs, whether with a key basket out of a timeout, a steal at the top of the key or a defensive stand in the half court. That consistency allowed Reinhardt to control the game for all of it, even as Columbia battled to stay within striking distance.

Londisha Smith was the team leading scorer with 23 points, Chloe VanDyke also contributed with 21 points. Emariah Grant and Mackenzie Franklin lead the team with 4 assists. Lana VanDyke was the team leading rebounder with 6. 

With the 74-67 victory, the Eagles added an important result to their resume while demonstrating the ability to close out a competitive game. Reinhardt's performance reinforced the team's identity as a group that can dictate tempo, defend in crucial moments, and respond when challenged, traits that will be vital as the season advances into conference play.

Writeup by Bryce Johnson

Photo by NicoleCPhotography