Boxscore

Waleska, Ga. - The UVa-Wise men's basketball team is quietly working its way up the Appalachian Athletic Conference ranks and the climb continued Wednesday night. Mark Phillips made all 15 shots, from the floor and foul line, for a career-high 21 points to lead UVa-Wise over Reinhardt College, 76-66, for the fifth-straight victory.

The victory moves the Highland Cavaliers into a first place tie atop the league standings. UVa-Wise is now tied at 9-4 in first place with Bryan and Reinhardt a half game back at 8-4 apiece.

Leading 42-40, Travis Berry netted the next seven points for UVa-Wise (12-10) in what turned out to be the key stretch over four minutes to make it 49-40. The Cavs would not let the home Eagles (15-8) any closer than seven points the rest of the night before taking home a 76-66 final.

Phillips connected on all six tries from the field and nine of nine from the charity stripe for his career-high 21 point effort to lead the Cavs. Berry was right behind him with 17 points on the night. Kevin Perry finished five of six for 12 tallies. Norris Gaskins continued his solid play with six points and eight caroms.

UVa-Wise made 14 of 23 (60.9%) in the second half. The Cavs also won the battle on the boards, 33-28, and committed only 11 turnovers in the 40 minutes.

Reinhardt College was led by Will Lewis' 20 points and 12 rebounds.

UVa-Wise will try for its sixth win in a row on Saturday in a 4:00 p.m. contest at Virginia Intermont.