The Columbia International University Men's Basketball team was on the court for the first time in 2019 as they opened at home against Carolina Christian College. The Rams and Centurions were engaged in a tight battle all game, but the Rams were able to hang on for a 85-81 victory. With the win the Rams move to 7-6 on the year.

1st Half Highlights:

• The Centurions got on the board first, but the Rams would score the next nine points by Tajae Anderson, Jeff McIlwain, and Arthur Pearson
• The Rams would take their first double digit lead of the game after a three by Anderson
• The Rams would start to pull ahead from the Centurions as they took their biggest lead of the night, 33-16, after a layup by Pearson
• The Centurions would pull back within single digits, but a three by Pearson to end the half gave the Rams the 44-32 lead at half

2nd Half Highlights:

• The two teams would start the second half by trading baskets
• The Centurions would fight back over a six minute period and pulled within one point with ten minutes left in the game
• The Centurions would tie the game at 63, but a three by Anderson gave the Rams the lead back
• The teams would tie once again at 66 and the Centurions would take their first lead of the game after
• The Rams would regain the lead with seven minutes left after a layup by Jeff McIlwain
• The teams would trade leads back and forth, but a huge three by Eric Graham gave the Rams the lead back with just over five minutes left in the game
• The Centurions pulled back within two points with four minutes left in the game
• The Rams would hold onto the lead for the remainder four minutes and win 85-81

Box Score Highlights:

• The Rams shot 44.1% (30-of-68) from the field and were 11-of-30 from beyond the arch, while the Centurions were 30-of-78) from the floor and were just 5-of-22 from the three point line...The Rams and Centurions battled on the boards, but the Centurions held a 45-44 rebounding advantage...The Rams forced the Centurions into 15 turnovers...Tajae Anderson led the Rams with 22 points and 11 rebounds...Arthur Pearson was close to triple-double as he had 20 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds...Jeff McIlwain was the final Ram in double figures with 13 points and seven rebounds...The Rams had 12 fast break points and 16 points off turnovers...Rashon Gray led the Centurions with 18 points.

Up Next: The Rams will be back in action on Saturday when they return to conference play against Reinhardt University. Tip-off is schedule for 4 pm.