Columbia International University Athletics

Columbia, SC -- Tonight was a special night as the Columbia International University men's basketball team honored their one senior. Dylan Smith is the lone senior this year.Unfortunately, Dylan was not able to play this year due to injury, but that never stopped his love for the team or the game. After the senior night celebrations the Rams took on Hiwassee College. The teams battled, but the Tigers were able to take large leads at the end of each half and win by the final score of 98-77.

The Basics

• Score: CIU 77 / Hiwassee 98
• Records: CIU 7-22 / Hiwassee 15-7
• Location: Columbia, SC

How it Happened:

• Over the first four minutes of the game the two teams struggled from the field as they were tied at four. The Tigers would take the lead and lead 24-14 with about ten minutes left in the half.
• After a layup by Micah Banks at the 4:16 mark the Rams were only down by five, 35-30. However, the Tigers would push their lead back to double digits over the final minutes. With twenty seconds left in the half the Tigers were up by 13, but a three from Jacob Cook put the Rams down by 10. At the half the Tigers led 48-38.
• Just over a minute into the second half the Rams cut the Tigers lead to single digits after a layup from Christian Williams. Over the next 11 minutes the teams would go back and forth, but the Tigers would hold onto a double digit lead most of the time. With just under eight minutes to go in the game the Rams were only down by six, 72-66, after a Banks layup. However, over the final minutes the Tigers would take over and go on to win by the final score.

Inside the Columbia International Box Score:

• The Rams shot 43.6% (24-of-55) for the game, but were just 24-of-41 from the free throw line
• Damarcus Gay led the Rams with 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds
• Micah Banks and Jacob Cook each had 11 points
• Gabe Kirk was the last Ram in double figures with 10 points

Inside the Hiwassee Box Score:

• The Tigers shot 48.1% (39-of-81) from the floor and were 6-of-19 from the three point line
• Jay Cade led the Tigers with 19 points
• Tevin Henry had 18 points and five rebounds
• Aario Johnson had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds

Up Next:

• The Rams will be back in action next Wednesday for the first round of the NCCAA South Region Tournament. The Rams will host Piedmont International with tip-off scheduled for 5 p.m. All region games will be played at CIU.