MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A swarming Faulkner (4-1) defense held Reinhardt (1-2, 1-0 AAC) to a 28.6% shooting night from the floor and just 14.8% from three to overcome its own offense's dry spell from long range, propping up the Lady Eagles' 40% overall shooting night to keep the visitors at arm's length in a 68-55 win in this battle of Eagles at Tine Davis Gymnasium on Thursday night. 

Faulkner dominated almost every facet on the stat sheet, including rebounds 54-35, points in the paint 36-22, bench points 19-7 and second chance points 17-11. The Lady Eagles never trailed from the opening bucket almost three minutes into the game with Ella Jane Connell dropping in a layup off her offensive rebound. The closest Reinhardt came to leading was when they tied things up on the ensuing possession, but Brett Douglas gave her team the lead for good immediately following that with her own layup. Faulkner's largest lead of 14 points came in the second quarter on a triple by Grace Anne Rose.  

The hosts led 37-24 at halftime after they outshot Reinhardt 43.75% to 23.53% from the field and 30.77% to 0.0% from deep. The Faulkner defense surrendered just eight baskets on 34 attempts for the half and kept the clamps on for the entire game even as the teams tied for points scored in the second half. Reinhardt hit just four of their 27 shots from beyond the arc. The Faulkner offense had a productive night even as it struggled from deep as well, committing its fewest turnovers in a game this season with eight. 

Ruthie Smith paced the Lady Eagles offense with 17 points, all from the paint or free throw line, to go with eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Keyarra Scottland was just behind with 13 points. Morgan Holland DeWitt led both teams with 15 total rebounds and 10 on defense while scoring 10 points. Connell put up seven points and six boards. Rose and Addison Cantrell each scored five. Sydney Steward tied for the game lead with four assists.  

Londaisha Smith led Reinhardt with 17 as well, along with five rebounds. I'ziah McCutchins scored 14 points and five boards, and Na'Yel Camper added 11 points and seven boards.  

The Lady Eagles are back in the win column after their narrow setback last weekend on the road against a national receiving votes squad in Southeastern. Their next contest is also on the road against a receiving votes opponent, as they travel to the Bayou State for a first-time matchup with LSU Alexandria on Friday, Nov. 14 at noon.