Bluefield, VA – The CIU Rams men's basketball team had a historic win Saturday as they played Bluefield College in their final regular-season game. The Rams set the record for the most regular-season wins in program history while knocking off Bluefield College 79-74 in overtime. The win was also important to the seeding in the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament as CIU will now enter the tournament as the fourth overall seed. CIU finishes the regular season with a program-best 18-9 record while finishing the conference slate with a record of 15-9.

How It Happened Versus Bluefield College:

First Half CIU 38 BC 36: CIU would take a three-point lead halfway through the first half off of an Elijah Spalding finish and then moments later seize their largest lead of the game 30-20 after an Eric Graham three. Behind Skyler McKinney and Jeff McMillwain the Rams would keep their advantage at 38-30 with 3:00 minutes remaining. However, Bluefield knocked down back to back threes to bring the score to 38-36 going into the break. McKinney led the Rams with 10-points at halftime.

Second Half CIU 79 BC 74: CIU and Bluefield would trade baskets throughout the first ten minutes of the second half. CIU briefly seized a 50-46 advantage off a Corey Benton three-pointer, but Bluefield battled back. The Rams found themselves tied with Bluefield 67-67 with :39 seconds left in regulation. Benton had a clean look from deep but came up short, sending the contest into overtime. CIU took a three-point lead in overtime courtesy of Tajae Anderson and then on the ensuing possession a dagger three from Elijah Spalding sealed the win for the Rams, 79-74.

Game Notes:

• Jeff McIlwain recorded his tenth double-double on the year with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
• Junior Corey Benton had 18 points while Skyler McKinney chipped in 12 points
• Elijah Spalding had a crucial 10 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.
• In just two years in the AAC CIU that has a conference record of 25-21.

What Coach Tony Stockman is saying:

"I am proud of the guys getting a big win tonight on the road. When we play that kind of defense, we are hard to beat. I feel like we are playing good basketball at the right time. The guys are focused and having fun. I am excited to get into the postseason and see what we can do.

Up Next:

CIU will take on Allen University on February 27th at 8:30 AM. The game will be a part of the first round of the AAC tournament in Kingsport, TN.