Buffs win in thrilling comeback

WALESKA, Ga. (Feb. 9, 2020) – After trailing for nearly the entire game and being down by double digits going into the second half, the Milligan College men's basketball team fought back and defeated Reinhardt University 74-70 in Waleska, Georgia, Sunday afternoon. 

The original game was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8, but due to poor weather conditions it was rescheduled to today following the women's game. 

Game flow

Fighting back from an early seven point deficit in the first half, Milligan was able to give themselves a two point advantage off of a Trevor Hensley three but that was the only lead the Buffs would have in the first half as the Eagles would take control of the game for the rest of the half. Reinhardt ran away with the score going on an 18-5 run and lead by as many as 18 with a minute and a half left of play in the first half. Reinhardt led at the half, 47-34. Bo Pless went into halftime with 12 points and the Buffs took advantage of Reinhardt fouls by going 10-for-12 from the charity stripe. 

Reinhardt would stay in a comfortable lead for the first ten minutes of the half but a triple from Hensley would put the Buffs down by seven and begin Milligan's track to taking the lead. Milligan would then go on a 12-2 run allowing them to tie the game up for the third time by a shot from Tyler Nichols. Milligan and Reinhardt would tie the game up three more times before Nathan Hastings would draw a foul and sink both of his free throws to give Milligan the lead for good. Milligan would add onto their lead all from made free throws. Pless started it off sinking one of his two, Adam Graham would make both of his and Nichols would go 1-for-2. 

Game leaders 

Nichols had a game high of 16 points, tacking on six rebounds. Nichols was 10-for-16 from the free throw line. Pless finished with 13 points, Hensley with 11 and Desean Green recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds adding on four assists. Matt Cole finished the night with nine points and eight rebounds. 

Up next 

Milligan will travel to Columbia International University on Wednesday, Feb. 12, for an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup. Milligan is currently in third place in the AAC standings with an overall record of 16-9 (13-7 AAC). They are two games out of first place.