WALESKA, Ga – CIU men's basketball headed on the road Monday night to play their second of three games in four days. Riding high off their second victory over defending AAC champions Union College, the Rams would take on Reinhardt University on their home floor. CIU (14-8) entered the contest sitting at 4th place in the conference standings while Reinhardt (7-18) came into the game at the bottom of the AAC standings. However, records wouldn't matter as the Ram would be upset by the Eagles in overtime 82-77.

How it Happened

First Half RU 30 CIU 29: A Corey Benton three-pointer extended a Rams early lead to 9-5 in the first 5:00 minutes. CIU would keep the advantage going up 14-11 after Jeff McIlwain scored in the paint. However, CIU would be unable to hold on and would relinquish lead for the rest of the half. A 9-0 run by the Eagles would put the Rams in a 20-14 deficit. CIU would continue to battle, Skyler McKinney scored through an Eagles flagrant foul giving the freshman a four-point play after he knocked down both free throws. The extra points would draw the Rams within one 30-29 at the half.

Second Half RU 61 CIU 61: CIU outscored Reinhardt in the first 8:00 minutes to take back the lead 41-39 on a Tajae Anderson deep ball. The Rams fell behind again and then retook the lead on a smooth stroke from McKinney behind the arc. A back and forth final 10:00 minutes would ensue until an Arthur Pearson bucket gave the Rams a 61-59 lead with 1:18 remaining. Two free throws from the Eagles tied the game, and a Pearson three fell short at the horn to send the game into overtime.

Overtime RU 82 CIU 77: A 13-5 run from the Eagles started overtime, and Reinhardt seized a 74-66 lead with 1:27 left in the extra period. CIU would be able to trim the advantage 77-74, but couldn't come all the back and succumbed 82-77.

Game Notes:

• The reigning AAC player of the week Jeff McIlwain led the Rams in scoring with 13 points and 7 rebounds
• Arthur Pearson scored 12 points while setting up his teammates with 6 assists.
• Tajae Anderson had 11 points off the bench to contribute to the Rams cause.
• The Rams were dominant in the paint, outscoring the Eagles inside 42 to 30.

Up Next:

The Rams play Montreat College tomorrow, February 4th, at 7:30 p.m. in North Carolina.