Pioneers Battle AAC Front-Runner Reinhardt in 79–52 Road Loss
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spartanburg Methodist (12-11, 7-9) | 14 | 7 | 14 | 17 | 52 |
|
Reinhardt (GA) (17-5, 14-1) | 20 | 16 | 18 | 25 | 79 |
WALESKA, GA – The Spartanburg Methodist College women's basketball team faced one of its toughest road tests of the season Wednesday, falling 79–52 to Reinhardt, which is currently tied atop the Appalachian Athletic Conference standings.
The Pioneers (12-11, 7-9 AAC) were led by Najah Gilliam, who paced all scorers with 16 points. Gilliam was especially effective in the second half, scoring 14 of her points after intermission. Halle Traylor added 12 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while Destiny Middleton narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds, while also contributing three assists and two steals.
Reinhardt (17-5, 14-1 AAC) opened the game on a 9-0 run, but SMC responded quickly. The Pioneers used a 6-0 spurt—sparked by five quick points from Middleton—to cut the deficit to three with 5:20 remaining in the first quarter.
The Eagles' balanced attack, which featured seven players scoring at least seven points, allowed Reinhardt to maintain control throughout the contest. Still, the Pioneers showed resilience, rallying in the second half and twice trimming the margin to 10 points.
SMC returns home Saturday to host Bluefield at 2 p.m. The Pioneers claimed a 68–56 victory over the Rams earlier this season on Dec. 13 in Bluefield, Virginia.
