COLUMBIA, SC – The CIU Men's basketball team would take on Kentucky Christian, Saturday evening, their first meeting since 2014. Unlike their last matchup, this game would come as a conference matchup with both schools now being members of the Appalachian Athletic Conference. CIU would trail early on in the game but would battle back to get the win. The Rams are now back above .500 sitting at 4-3.

How It Happened

1st Half KCU 49 CIU 39: Hot shooting from the Knights would put them ahead early on jumping out to a 40-18 lead with just under 9:00 minutes remaining in the first half. From there, the Rams would slowly climb back into the game. After a handful of free throws by CIU, Eric Graham would knock down a three-pointer to cut the lead to 42-24. A few moments later and another three this time from Corey Benton would bring the Rams even closer. CIU would then go on a 12-5 run to close the half to trail 49-39 at the break.

2nd Half CIU 83 KCU 81: CIU would trail by as much as 15 in the first 5:00 minutes of the second half. However, Tajae Anderson would catch fire for the Rams getting to the rim at will and making big plays on the defensive end. CIU would reduce the Knights lead to just 6 with 10:00 minutes remaining 68-62 off a Darrian Oates finish in the paint. The Rams would then get even closer off a three from Skyler McKinney, trimming the advantage to 72-69. The Rams would finally take the lead 75-74 off a Tajae Anderson steal and fast-break finish. A Corey Benton finish inside with :25 seconds left would give the Rams the lead for good, and CIU would get two stops to close out the game 83-81.

Game Notes

• Tajae Anderson led the Rams with his season-high scoring 22 points on 9 of 12 shooting.
• Corey Benton scored 13 points while pulling in 8 boards.
• The Rams held the Knights to 14% shooting from three-point range in the second half after the Knights shot 57% in the first half.

What Coach Stockman is saying

"I am proud of how our team locked in and fought back in the second half. KCU is a very well-coached team, we had to make some adjustments, and our guys did a great job of executing those and making plays down the stretch. Our defensive focus in the second half was great; if we can figure out how to have that same focus the entire game, we will be in good shape."

Up Next

CIU takes on Furman University in an exhibition game on Friday, November 22nd, in Greenville, SC.