KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The CIU Rams Men's basketball team opened the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament at 8:30 AM on Thursday. As the #4 seed, the Rams took on the #5 seeded Allen University Yellow Jackets in the first round. The contest was the third meeting on the year between the two teams with the two squads splitting the first two games. It would take an extra five minutes of play, but CIU would get their first-ever AAC Tournament win defeating Allen 91-83 in overtime.

How It Happened:

First Half AU 39 CIU 30: The Rams opened up a 9-4 lead in the first 2:49 behind scores from four different players. Allen bounced back to take a 15-13 lead, but CIU grabbed an advantage 20-18. The rest of the half was back and forth until the Yellow Jackets would go on a 9-0 run to close the half and take a 39-30 lead into halftime. Corey Benton led the Rams at halftime in scoring with 6-points while freshman Darrian Oates chipped in 5-points.

Second Half (OT) CIU 91 AU 83: Scoring would not be a problem for CIU in the latter part of the contest as they put up 61 points in the second half and overtime. The Rams found themselves tied with the Yellow Jackets 68-68 with just under 4:00 minutes left in the game. Jeff McIlwain then got a good position inside to score over the smaller Allen defender. On the ensuing possession, Darrian Oates was fouled hard in the paint and managed to score the basket but was unable to complete the three-point play, however CIU still led 72-70. The Yellow Jackets tied the contest at 72-72, and a Corey Benton three fell short to send the game into overtime.

In the extra period, Allen took an early lead, but CIU regained control of the game to go up 81-79 with 2:00 minutes remaining on an Eric Graham floater. Neither team would score until a clutch three-pointer from Elijah Spalding gave the Rams the five-point advantage 84-79. CIU closed the game out down the stretch to win it 91-83.

Game Notes:

• CIU picks up its first conference tournament win in program history.
• It was a team win for CIU as the Rams had six players in double-figures.
• Eric Graham led the Rams in scoring with 16 points, including a left-hand throwdown to seal the win for CIU in overtime.
• Jeff McIlwain had 14 points, 8 rebounds, and a blocked shot.
• Tajae Anderson and Elijah Spalding both had 10 points and 6 rebounds.

What Coach Stockman is saying:

"It was awesome to be a part of today's game. It's great to be able win a game with this many lead changes. I am proud of our guys for staying focused and coming together to pull out a win that is huge for our program and university.

Up Next:

CIU will play #1 seed Union College on Friday at 2 PM with a trip to the AAC Championship on the line.