[Men's Basketball] Vitiello's 30 points lift Cavs over Eagles
WALESKA, Ga. – The Cavs garnered their 10th league win of the season Saturday evening by putting triple digits on the Reinhardt Eagles, defeating them 101-92. With the help of Daniel Vitiello's lights-out shooting, Montreat improved to 10-2 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (13-3 overall) for the year.
An Austin Butler 3-pointer gave Montreat an 8-2 lead in the opening minutes of the contest, but Reinhardt fought to quickly tie up what would be a back-and-forth first half. Another Butler three sent the Cavs into the half with a five-point advantage.
Montreat's offense exploded in the second frame as the Cavs built up to a game-high 19-point lead. The Eagles would make it interesting though by going on a tear to pull within three points with just one minute remaining. However, six straight free throws from Vitiello in that final minute proved enough to seal the victory for the Cavaliers.
Daniel Vitiello had himself a night, posting a career-high and game-high 30 points. He was 8-for-10 from the field, including a perfect 3-for-3 behind the arc and 11-for-12 from the free throw line. Vitiello also pulled down a career-high seven boards.
Austin Butler was the Cavs' only other scorer in double-figures with 26 points. Nicodemus Payne led the defensive effort with 10 rebounds. Jeron Hemphill had a solid night across the board with seven rebounds, a game-high nine assists, and nine points.
The Cavs outrebounded the Eagles 43-34 and ended the night shooting 54.8 percent from the field, nailing 12 shots behind the arc.
Up Next: The Cavs visit Allen University Monday, Jan. 14 for a December makeup game with a 7:30 p.m. ET tip.