MACON, Ga. – After a tough loss in an exhibition game to Coastal Carolina University on Thursday evening, the Rams were back on the court on Saturday as they played NCAA Division I Mercer University. The Bears field a talented team who already defeated a Power Five foe this season, Georgia Tech University. However, CIU played a much more competitive contest Saturday morning, leading for much of the first half. Despite spirited play, the Rams fell to their opponent, 88-62.The loss will not count against CIU's record as the contest was considered an exhibition game for the Rams.

The Rams were able to catch the Bears sleeping early in the contest as CIU leaped out to an impressive 18-10 lead. Despite CIU leading for 13:27 of the first half.  Mercer was able to tie the game at 22-22 with 6:33 remaining. The Bears extended their lead out to 9 and would lead 42-29 at the end of the first half.  CIU was outscored in the second half 46-33, as the Bears picked up the 88-62 victory.
Freshman Julio Rodriguez has emerged as of late for the Rams as he scored 17 points on 7-15 shooting from the field. Fellow freshman Bryce Cause and DiAnthony Heathcock stepped up as well as Causey had 7 points, and Heathcock pulled down 8 rebounds. Sophomores Jalen Brinson and Skyler Mckinney had productive mornings as McKinney had 8 points while Brinson had 5 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.

Head Coach Tony Stockman commented on the game saying "I was glad to get to play today. I want to thank Mercer for setting up the game. It was a great opportunity for our guys to get better and have fun playing. During this time when many teams are shut down, we are not did not take this opportunity for granted.

The Rams will play their third straight NCAA Division I exhibition game on Saturday as they challenge the Citadel in Charleston at 7 PM.