COLUMBIA, SC- CIU men's basketball played its final game before the Christmas break Saturday as they hosted the Bluefield College Rams. CIU entered the contest on a three-game conference win-streak. Bluefield came into the competition sitting at 4-4 in the conference tied with CIU in the standings. Despite a close first half, CIU continued its winning ways knocking off Bluefield, 75-61, to move one game over .500 in the AAC.

How it Happened

First Half- CIU 38 BC 30: Corey Benton helped the Rams out to an earlier advantage scoring six straight in the opening minutes off a deep three and a traditional three-point play to pace CIU, 12-4 over Bluefield. CIU would hold at least a six-point cushion for the majority of the half until a Bluefield three-pointer sliced the advantage to 21-16 with 7:58 until the break. A John Johnson deep ball and inside scores from Benton and Jeff McIlwain distanced CIU; however and the home team stayed stalwart taking a 38-30 lead halftime.

Second Half- CIU 75 BC 61: CIU would get going off a bucket inside by McIlwain, which would be the beginning of a solid half for the senior center. Behind McIlwain and Tajae Anderson, CIU would open up a 50-38 lead. Bluefield would trim the advantage to six-points, but CIU would squash a comeback attempt to pull away by double digits. McIlwain would lead the Rams with 13-second half points while Anderson would pace the Rams with 9-points in the final half. CIU picked up its eighth win of the season, 75-61.

What Coach Stockman is saying:

On winning four in a row in the AAC

"I think we're in a good spot with our guys understanding each other, they understand what their teammates can do and when to get them the ball and where. The bottom line is we have got some good players who are playing well right now."

On Jeff McIlwain

"We have been trying to find more creative ways to get Jeff the ball in a position where he can score. He is opening up our offense right now because teams have to double him, and he is able to find the open shooter."

Game Notes

• Jeff McIlwain poured in 22-points on 10-13 shooting.
• Senior point guard John Johnson had a complete game with 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
• Arthur Pearson picked up 9-points in his first game back.
• While still outshooting Bluefield from deep CIU also outscored Bluefield in the paint 38-30.

Up Next:

CIU plays host to Truett-McConnell University on January 2nd at 7:30 PM.