Eagles Send Golden Bears Into Hibernation, 86-64

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
 
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – A 55-point second half and yet another blistering offensive performance in the third quarter (30 tallies) helped Reinhardt flex its muscles against the Golden Bears of West Virginia Tech in the opening contest of the Eagles' appearance in the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball Show in Tennessee on Saturday, 86-64.

Catherine Shope again shined off the bench with a team-best 23 points (4-of-5 from deep), 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and was joined by three starters in double figures, including a monster double-double performance from Bethany Headrick with 21 points and 15 rebounds.

The aforementioned duo also watched as Amberlee Zeller (13) and Ashton Sutton (11) enjoyed strong days as well.

The Eagles (8-0) and Golden Bears felt each other out for the first period as Reinhardt held a small advantage, but West Virginia Tech would play the next 10 minutes at plus-six overall and head to the locker room in the lead, 33-31.

As it has done on multiple occasions already this year, the hometown squad exploded on its opposition in the third quarter – this time nearly totaling its entire output from the first half (30 points) – en route to jumping out to a big lead following an 18-point spread in the third stanza.

Poor shooting and constant pressure would put the Golden Bears in a tough situation the rest of the way, as they would only hit five shots from beyond the arc and connect on just 31 percent of their attempts while committing 25 turnovers.

Even though the Eagles weren't much better in the miscue category (24 turnovers), they shot well from the free throw line and hit 30-for-67 from the floor (44.8 percent).

All of that production helped Reinhardt stretch its cushion by six in the fourth quarter on the way to the 22-point non-conference triumph.

Not to be outdone, Symone Williams had a strong stat line with 9 points, 4 assists and 3 boards as well from the point.

Reinhardt looks to go 2-0 at the event tomorrow afternoon when it goes to battle against IU-East (Ind.) at 4:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon

For more information on Reinhardt Women's Basketball, please click here.