MONTREAT, NC – The CIU men's basketball team played a contest with playoff implications Tuesday night as they competed against the Montreat Cavaliers (19-5). The Rams knocked off the second-place Cavaliers earlier in the season in Columbia. However, CIU (14-9) would be unable to fend off the Cavs and fell by double digits 105-90.

How It Happened:

First Half MC 43 CIU 38: The Cavaliers would jump out to a double-digit advantage, 18-8 in the first half. However, 8 points in a row from Elijah Spalding and Arthur Pearson tied the game at 20-20. Pearson would continue to lead the Rams throughout the half, helping the Rams stay within two 38-36 with 1:20 remaining in the half. Corey Benton scored under a minute for CIU, but the Cavaliers took a 43-38 lead into the break. Pearson led CIU in the first half with 10 points.

Second MC 105 CIU 90: CIU would fall behind by 12 points to start the second half. The Rams battled back to trim the lead to 52-49 on a pair of Corey Benton free throws. The Cavaliers again forced the Rams into a double-digit deficit, but a triple and a midrange jumper from Skyler McKinney kept the Rams close 74-70. CIU would get as close as three down the stretch, but the Cavaliers would pull away to win by fifteen, 105-90.

Game Notes:

• Senior Arthur Pearson posted 20 points for CIU.
• Corey Benton knocked down 7 free throws on his way to 19 points.
• Jeff McIlwain recorded yet another double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
• Elijah Spalding had 11 points off the bench on 5 of 6 shooting.
• CIU got back on track from deep knocking down 10 three-pointers.

Up Next:

CIU returns home on Wednesday, February 12th to face Milligan College