Waleska, Ga. - Thomas scored 42 points in the second half but could not overcome a first half surge from No.17 Ave Maria Gyrenes at the Reinhardt Classic on Saturday afternoon.
The Night Hawks kept pace with their former conference opponent, keeping it a one possession game early on. The Gyrenes quickly went on a 13-4 run to put the lead in double digits but Thomas responded with a 14-2 run to tie with 7:19 to go in the half. Ave Maria continued to try and pull away, but the Night Hawks refused to let it get out of hand. However, the Gyrenes went on a 17-2 run to go into the locker room with a 19 point deficit.
In the second half, Thomas refused to give up, opening up on a 14-5 run with Jalin Lee,
Joshua Robertson and
Armani Thomas all contributing. The run brought them within 11 after starting the half down 21. The Gyrenes quickly started another run to go back up by 20, however, the Night Hawks did not let them get too comfortable as another huge run closed the lead down to 12 with a 1:46 to go but Ave Maria held on to end the game.
Lee provided a spark off of the bench as he finished with 16 points and shot 4-8 from deep, Robertson also kept up the pace with 12 points, two boards and two assists.
Thomas will be back at home for a five game homestand, beginning with a matchup against another former conference foe in Stillman on Thursday, November 7 at 7:00pm.
