COLUMBIA, S.C – So far, 2021 has been good to the CIU men's basketball program as the Rams won their first two games to start the New Year. After defeating Bluefield College on Tuesday night, CIU picked up another win Thursday, this time knocking off St. Andrews University 94-83. With the win, CIU is now 7-3 overall and 6-3 in conference play. The Knights of St. Andrews fall to 1-6 overall and 0-6 in the conference.

How it Happened:

First Half: CIU 47 SAU 39: The Knights were paced early inside by Myron Williams, who scored eight straight points to open the game. CIU matched Williams score for score, and the Rams led 16-11 after a Corey Benton 3-pointer with 13:11 left in the first half. A few possessions later, Thomas Woods knocked down a transition 3-pointer and was fouled, but the junior was unable to complete the 4-point play. CIU then grabbed the momentum as DiAnthony Heathcock threw down two powerful dunks, one coming on a dish from Eric Graham. Brandon Doss kept the scoring going as he hit another Ram triple to give the CIU their largest lead of the half, 36-25 at the 7:12 mark. CIU held a 47-39 advantage heading into halftime as Benton led the Rams with 19 points.

Second Half: CIU 94 SAU 83: Benton was able to force the issue to start the second half scoring a quick five points to help grow the Ram advantage to 62-46, 5:00 minutes into the half. Just under the 10:00 minute mark St. Andrews trimmed the CIU lead to only nine. Graham then found Doss on back to back possessions as Doss hit consecutive 3-pointers to push the advantage to 75-62. Down the stretch, Graham knocked down two 3-pointers off of the dribble while Benton was able to bully his way inside, getting to the line at will. CIU closed out the game with scores inside from Skyler McKinney and Doss to dismiss the Knights 94-83.

Game Notes: 

• Corey Benton continues to make his AAC Player of the Year case as the senior guard scored 34 points, shooting 59% from the field. Benton is now averaging 26.9 ppg, which puts him at ninth overall in scoring in the NAIA. 
• Junior Eric Graham had the second double-digit assist game of his career as the Augusta native had 14 points and 10 assists. The stat line is Graham's first double-double of the season.
• CIU point guard Brandon Doss was lethal from beyond the arc, going 4-8 from deep, scoring 16 points.
• The Rams played one of their more complete games of the year as CIU had 17 total assists and knocked down 13 3-pointers.
• CIU is now an impressive 18-2 in their last 20 home games.

What Coach Tony Stockman is saying:

"Our guys were excellent coming out of halftime; we played solid defense and moved the ball the way we want to. We have to learn how to finish our games better and not relax when we get the lead."

Up Next:

The Rams will travel to Milligan College, Tennessee, on Saturday to challenge the Milligan University Buffs at 4 PM.