Laurinburg, NC – The CIU men's basketball team squared off against the St. Andrews Knights Wednesday night. The Knights (2-2) entered the game off a win over Bryan College while CIU (2-3) was bested by Tennessee Wesleyan last time out. After a tight first half, the game would slip from the Rams, and they would fall 77-67.

How It Happened: 

1st Half CIU 37 SAU 37: Threes by Corey Benton and John Johnson would give the Rams the early lead. However, CIU would not hold the advantage for long as St. Andrews would tie the game at 10-10 after 4-minutes of play. A back and forth affair would ensue until a three from freshman Darrian Oates stretched the Ram lead to 7-points, 23-16 midway through the first half. The Knights would stay close, however, and take a 1-point advantage over CIU until a Johnson three would put the Rams back in front. Both teams would trade baskets, and 37-37 draw would end the half.

2nd Half SAU 77 CIU 67: CIU would lead by 7, 5:00 minutes into the first half after hot shooting from Benton. A few possessions later and the Rams would take 9-point advantage, 54-45 off a score inside from senior Jeff McIlwain. Unfortunately, a 20 to 4 run would ensue by St. Andrews, and the Rams would trail 65-58. The Rams would get solid minutes out of Benton and Mcilwain down the stretch but would fall 77-67.

Game Notes 

• Junior Corey Benton led the Rams in scoring for the second time this season pouring in 23 points on 50% shooting.
• Senior Jeff McIlwain posted another double-double with 12 rebounds and 10 points.
• John Johnson was 3 rebounds shy of a double-double himself pulling down 7 boards and scoring 12 points shooting 4-6 from three-point range.

Up Next 

CIU hosts Brewton-Parker on Friday at 6:30 PM in the Moore Fitness Center.