The Columbia International University Men's Basketball team was on the court for the first time this season as they opened at home against Piedmont International University. The Rams were looking to start the season and new era under Head Coach Tony Stockman with a win. The Rams started the game off fast with a commanding lead in the first half, but the Bruins fought back in the second half to bring it close before the Rams won 79-75.

1st Half Highlights:

• The Bruins got on top early, but after threes by Eric Graham, Corey Benton, and Damian Hurta the Rams took the lead
• The Rams would go on a 10-0 run after gaining the lead 
• The Rams would continue to score at will and take a 27 point lead after a three by Hurta
• The Rams would continue to hold onto a twenty point lead and lead 48-25 at the half

2nd Half Highlights:

• The Bruins would open the second half scoring the first seven points
• The Bruins continued to chip away at the Rams lead an cut it to single digits with just under thirteen minutes left to play
• The Rams would push the lead back to double digits after a made shot by Graham
• The teams would go back and forth for the rest of the game, but key shots by Benton, Graham, and Tyrone Dantzler Jr., lifted the Rams to victory

Box Score Highlights:

•     The Rams shot 42.3% (30-of-71) for the game and were 9-of-24 from beyond the arc...The Bruins shot 37.9% (25-of-66) for the game and were 21-of-31 from the free show line...Corey Benton led the Rams with a double-double as he had 22 points and 10 rebounds...Elijah Spalding had a double-double as well with 14 rebounds and 10 points...Damian Hurta hit four threes and had 16 points in the game...Eric Graham was the last Ram in double figures with 13 points...The Rams had 55 rebounds, while the Bruins had 37...Each team had 17 assists...Tamir Glenn led the Bruins with 15 points.

Up Next: The Rams will be back in action on Thursday when they travel to take on Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tennessee.