Columbia International University Athletics

Columbia, SC -- The Columbia International University men's basketball team took to the court for one final Saturday this season. The Rams hosted the Flying Fleet of Erskine College. The Rams came into the game having pick up a win their last time out, while the Fleet were looking ot rebound after a loss their last time. The two teams battled throughout the game as it was close throughout, but the Fleet scored the games last five points to win 68-63. 

The Basics

• Score: CIU 63 / Erskine 68
• Records: CIU 7-21 / Erskine 12-16
• Location: Columbia, SC

How it Happened:

• The Fleet would go up 4-2 early in the game, but the Rams would take the lead on a 10-0 run. On the run the Rams got points from Damian Hurta, Juraj Rovis, Gabe Kirk, and Damarcus Gay. Over the next two minutes the Fleet would pull to within two, 14-12, but the Rams would push their lead back to seven with just under ten minutes left in the half.
• After the Rams went up by seven the Fleet put together a run of their own as they went on a 9-0 run to take their first lead since the opening minutes. The Rams would tie the game at 23 on their next possession however as Hurta found Gay for the jumper. The two teams would battle throughout the final minutes, but a three by the Fleet with six seconds left in the half tied the game at 32. The two teams went into the half tied.
• Just like the first half the Fleet would take a 4-2 advantage. However, this time it was the Fleet who went on a 11-0 run to take thirteen point lead over the Rams. The Rams continued to cut the Fleet lead as they chipped away and were only down by five after a layup by Rovis.
• The two teams would take baskets, but with just over four minutes remaining the Rams were down by two after a layup from Druw Rollings. With 2:14 the Rams were able to regain their lead after a three from Rovis. However, after two free throws by the Fleet they would tie the game. The Fleet would score the games final five points and win by the final score of 68-63.

Inside the Columbia International Box Score:

• The Rams shot 39.2% (21-of-52) from the floor and were 14-of-18 from the charity stripe
• Damarcus Gay led the Rams with 18 points
• Juraj Roivs chip in 13 points and four rebounds
• Druw Rollings had 12 points, while Damian Hurta had 11 points.

Inside the Erskine Box Score:

• The Fleet also shot 39.2% (24-of-58) from the field and were just 6-of-20 from the three point line
• Austin Venable led the Fleet with 20 points and pulled down six rebounds
• Jordan Watson had 15 points for the Fleet

Up Next:

• Columbia International will play on Wednesday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday will also be senior night as the Rams will honor Dylan Smith.