The Riders came into the Big Eight Conference clash undefeated and led by as many as seven points in the second half before Gore rallied for its biggest win of the season so far.
Hulbert led 43-38 early in the fourth quarter when Rineheart went to work, scoring eight points during a 10-0 Pirate run that saw Gore surge in front. Rineheart’s two free throws put the Pirates up 48-53 with 1:16 left.
The Riders pulled within 49-47 on Dillon Brown’s layup, but Rineheart sank another free shot put Gore up by three. Hulbert missed a 3-point shot that could have tied the game and Andrews eventually clinched the win for Gore by converting two free throws with :04 remaining.
Gore improved to 11-3 with the victory, while Hulbert suffered its first loss of the season and slipped to 13-1. Both teams now have one conference loss.
Rineheart got his game-high 29 points by sinking seven 2-pointers and shooting 15 of 18 from the charity stripe.
Andrews, a junior forward, added his 11th double-double of the season with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Ethan James had four points and 10 boards for the Pirates, while Garrett Lehnick scored two and Cory Hunt one. Lehnick and Dylan Humphrey both had four assists in the victory.
Hulbert was paced by a 26-point, 13-rebound effort by Dustin Shade.
The Riders got off to a good start on Tuesday, taking a 20-12 lead after eight minutes. Hulbert was still in front at halftime, 32-27 before Gore trimmed the deficit to three by the start of the fourth quarter.
Hulbert 76, Gore 26 (G)
The Lady Riders jumped out to a 20-4 lead and went on to claim the Big Eight Conference triumph on Tuesday night.
Lindsay Hutson and Paiten Taylor dropped in 20 points apiece to lead Hulbert (9-5).
The Lady Pirates were led by 14 points from senior post Dena Qualls.
