Contributed Reports

WALESKA, Ga. (Jan. 3, 2015) — Kurt Brooks made an impressive return after missing seven games due to injury, but the Milligan College men’s basketball team was dealt its second Appalachian Athletic Conference loss Saturday afternoon, losing to Reinhardt University 81-79.

Milligan (10-5, 5-2 AAC) endured a similar start to the new year last season, dropping a series of tough games over the holiday break before falling to Reinhardt in close fashion during the first week of 2014. But the slow start proved to be just that, and the Buffaloes went on to win nine of their last 11 regular season games in 2014. Reinhardt improved its current standing to 8-5 (3-3 AAC).

Brooks scored a team high 19 points on 5-of-10 shooting, breaking the double-digit barrier for the fifth time this season. Included in his 19 points were two made free throws in the closing seconds and a 3-pointer near the one-minute mark of regulation. Both scores cut Milligan’s deficit to a single point, but the Buffaloes did not have an answer on their final possession.

Brooks added six assists and three steals, both game highs, while gathering three rebounds. Seniors Morgan McLeod and Chris Ellis were next in Milligan’s scoring column with 12 and 11 respectively. McLeod’s 12 points came alongside a team high nine rebounds.

The second half of Saturday’s game included seven ties and 11 lead changes, with neither team going ahead by more than six. The Buffaloes largest lead, 64-59, came following a conventional three-point play by Mike Woods Jr. at the 11-minute mark. The Eagles answered it with a 5-0 run before using a 7-0 run several minutes later that gave them a lead they would not relinquish.

Reinhardt was led in scoring by Corey Ricks who scored 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Three other Eagles made it to double figures, including Perie Finley (15 points) and Matt Porter (12 points, 11 rebounds), both off the bench.

Gabriel Logan, who filled in for much of the time missed by Mickey Woods, scored eight points and added three assists and a steal. Woods missed the game due to illness.

Milligan will be back home for a women’s and men’s doubleheader next Saturday, Jan. 10 against Bluefield College (6-6, 3-4 AAC). It will be the first of six home games for the Buffaloes in the 2015 portion of this season. Opening tip for the women is scheduled for 2 p.m.

 

Milligan (10-5, 5-2 AAC)                          44       35      —   79

Reinhardt (Ga.) (8-5, 3-3 AAC)              44       37      —   81

 

Milligan — Brooks 19, McLeod 12, Ellis 11, Bailey 9, Songster 8, Logan 8, Woods Jr. 8, Petrovic 2, Twagirayezu 2.

Reinhardt — Ricks 21, Finley 15, Zachary 12, Porter 12, Hughley 7, Jones 5, Cooper 5, Langston 2, Stone 2.