COLUMBIA, S.C - As the race for the top spot in the Appalachian Athletic Conference begins to tighten, the CIU men's basketball team picked up a pivotal conference win Tuesday night. The Rams defeated Reinhardt University 98-90 in the Moore Fitness Center, avenging a loss to the Eagles earlier this season. The win helps the Rams solidify their second-place spot in the standings trailing only Point University. CIU is now 9-3 overall and 8-3 in conference play as Coach Tony Stockman looks to increase his conference win total for the second straight season.

How It Happened:

First Half: CIU 54 RU 38: The Rams and Eagles exchanged blows through the first 14:00 minutes of the contest as neither team could consistently get defensive stops. However, a Corey Benton 3-pointer with 6:14 remaining gave CIU the 41-30 advantage over Reinhardt. Benton scored again on the next possession, and then the high scoring guard would find Thomas Woods alone in the paint for another bucket. Moments later, after a basket in traffic by Skyler McKinney, the Ram lead jumped to 18-points, 50-32, as Benton finished inside off the McKinney dish. CIU took a 16 point lead into the break, staying on top of the Eagles 54-38.

Second Half: CIU 98 RU 90: The Eagles made several small runs throughout the first 10:00 minutes of the half but could never get the Rams lead under 8-points. DiAnthony Heathcock controlled the boards in the second half, and his inside presence kept the Eagles from getting second-chance opportunities. CIU appeared to finally be shaking free of the Eagles as a Heathcock free throw gave CIU a 75-59 lead with 9:55 remaining. The Rams advantage grew to as much as 84-65 after Darrian Oates cashed in from the charity stripe, but the Eagles still had some life left in them. Reinhardt clawed their way back to get within six under the 2:00 minute mark, but solid free throw shooting from the Rams thwarted an Eagles comeback as CIU collected a 98-90 victory.

Game Notes:

• Freshman DiAnthony Heathcock has begun to stand out as of late as he recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
• AAC leading scorer Corey Benton led the Rams in scoring with 26 points and eight rebounds. The senior also found his rhythm from deep, going 3-6 from 3-point range.
• Skyler McKinney was crucial on the defensive end of the floor but also notched 23 points and seven rebounds.
• Brandon Doss continues to be the Ram's most consistent outside shooter as the sophomore scored 16 points, knocking down three triples.
• Free throw shooting was vital to the CIU win as the Rams hit a season-high 28 free throws.
• 2021 has been good to the men's basketball program as CIU is still undefeated in the New Year. The Rams have won four straight to start the month of January. 

What Coach Tony Stockman is saying,

"I am proud of the guys stepping up today and focusing in on short notice. Reinhardt is a very physical team, but I thought we were up to the challenge and matched their physicality. Overall a great team win."

Up Next:

CIU hopes to make it five in a row as the Rams square off with Kentucky Christian at home on Thursday at 7 PM.