NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Reinhardt 75, Life U 71

Records: Reinhardt, 1-0; Life U, 0-1

MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life U women's basketball team was unable to overcome a fourth quarter run by Reinhardt in a 75-71 loss on Thursday night at the Eagles' Nest.

The Running Eagles had two 10+ point scorers as Maikya Simmons paced the team with a career-high 22 points while Sara Viti poured in four three-pointers and dropped 12 points in the loss.

The game was back-and-forth early, as neither side was able to gain much separation. However, the Eagles used a 12-9 run late in the fourth quarter to grab a lead.

After Life U raced out to an early 19-15 lead, the Eagles fought back with a 4-0 run over the last 00:55, but still came out short in the first quarter to trail 15-19 going into the second.

Life U held the lead by a large margin throughout most of the second quarter and gave a 9-0 run to give the Running Eagles a 28-16 lead. Forward Analeza Edore was on fire from the paint and the free throw line in the first half, connecting on two field goals and three free throws to score seven points in the first 20 minutes.

The Eagles scored on their first possession of the second half and continued to deliver, jumping back in front with a 41-40 lead in the middle of the third quarter. After a Simmons layup at 2:31, the senior was able to go on a 8-1 run, helping the Running Eagles lead at the end of the third 57-54.

Reinhardt led by as many as five points in the final quarter while a late jumper from Life U was only able to cut its deficit to four in the final seconds. Unfortunately, it was too late, as the Eagles were able to run out the clock and seal the win.

Up next, the Running Eagles will host Truett McConnell on Saturday, Oct.28  with a 4 p.m. tip.

TURNING POINT:

- Reinhardt's 14-9 run over the final eight minutes and change in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference in the four-point loss for the Eagles.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

- Simmons led the squad with a career-high 22 points on seven made field goals.

- Andrea Martin Ruiz led the team in rebounds and assists with grabbing six boards and four assists.