BLUEFIELD, Va. - The CIU men's basketball team traveled to Bluefield, Virginia, Tuesday night, to square off against the Bluefield College Rams for their first competition of 2021. CIU aimed to continue successful conference play, as they finished conference play in 2020 with a loss to Reinhardt University. With a big night from forward Corey Benton, CIU secured a convincing 90-77 victory over Bluefield.

How it happened: 
First Half: CIU 50 BC 45: Both teams kept in close in the early goings of the first half, as CIU saw contributions from several different players in Eric Graham, Corey Benton, and Elijah Spalding. CIU attempted to separate themselves with a run at the 11-minute mark, with a field goal by Darrian Oates and then Elijah Spalding gave CIU a 21-18 lead. Despite solid offensive play from CIU, Bluefield was able to keep things close, going into halftime only down by five. 

Second Half: CIU 90 BC 77: CIU continued their offensive dominance in the second half, as Eric Graham would hit two three-pointers, with a three-pointer from Cory Benton and a field goal by Elijah Spalding to go up 61-52 through the first 5 minutes. CIU didn't let up as the Rams led by 16 points going into the contest's final ten minutes. Bluefield made a late attempt at a comeback, but senior Cory Benton hit two key field goals to secure a 90-76 win. 

Game Notes:  

• Cory Benton led scoring for CIU with 26 points while also tallying eight rebounds. 
• CIU went 40.7% from three tonight and 55.4% from the field. 
• The Rams had 12 second-chance points off of rebounds to Bluefield College's five. 

Up Next: CIU returns home to battle St. Andrews University on Thursday, January 7th at 2 PM.