COLUMBIA, SC – Less then two weeks ago, the CIU men's basketball team lost to the Reinhardt Eagles. On Saturday, the Rams had an opportunity to avenge that loss as CIU took on the Eagles on their home court. CIU played tight with the Eagles early on but pulled away late to give the Rams an important win contributing towards CIU's case for a high AAC playoff seed. CIU now sits in fourth place and is looking to steal the third-place spot before the end of the season. The Rams had a special momonet before the game honoring their seniors, John Johnson, Cole Piatko, Jeff McIlwain, Tajae Anderson, Zack Norris and Arthur Pearson. 

How it Happened: 

First Half CIU 42 RU 34: In one of the more memorable starts in CIU basketball history Corey Benton absolutely exploded to begin the game for CIU. The Rams leading scorer put up 19 points in the first 8:00 minutes of the contest. Benton started the game on a personal 6-0 run knocking down a three to get the Rams on the board and then scoring an and-one on the next possession. Benton's teammates Arthur Pearson and Tajae Anderson would get on the scoring, and CIU led at half 42-34.

Second Half: CIU 86 RU 71: Eric Graham got going to start the second half, and CIU extended their lead to 56-42 with 13:56 remaining. Jeff McIlwain began imposing his will in the paint and back to back threes from Cole Piatko, and John Johnson put the Rams up more than twenty, 68-47. The Eagles made a late push, but Arthur Pearson helped hold Reinhardt at bay protecting the ball against the fullcourt pressure of the Eagles. The Rams made their free throws down the stretch and sealed the victory 86-71.

Game Notes: 

• Junior Corey Benton scored 24 points shooting 50% from deep and knocking down five three-pointers.
• Arthur Pearson hit 6 free throws late on his way to 14 points and 7 assists.
• Jeff McIlwain had his 17th career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
• Sophomore Eric Graham was the Rams fourth player in double digits with 12 points.
• CIU continues its home winning streak picking up its 11th straight home victory.

What Coach Stockman is saying:

"Senior night is always a special night with all the family and friends there to support. I was happy with how our players focused on defending in the second half. We limited mistakes and did a great job sharing the ball. Corey had a special first half for us. He was locked in; he understood that this was a big game for us, and he set the tone early being aggressive."

Up Next:

- CIU will play its final home game this coming Wednesday, February 19th, versus St. Andrews University.