COLUMBIA, S.C. - After three hard-fought losses to start Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play, CIU men's basketball was in desperate need of a conference win, and they would get just that Wednesday evening. CIU hosted conference rival Reinhardt Univesity (Ga.) and would defeat the Eagles 81-73 behind the exceptional performances of several young players. With the win, the Rams move to 3-3 overall and 1-3 in the AAC. 

The Rams trailed the Eagles early in the contest but fought back to seize a six-point advantage from Reinhardt, going up 26-20 with 6:12 remaining in the first half. DiAnthony Heathcock then set the tone for the evening as the Ram's forward grabbed an offensive rebound and went back up, finishing with an and-one slam. With the Rams holding most of the momentum, Coach Tony Stockman's squad led by as much as ten before going to the break with a 43-34 advantage. The second half was much the same, with the Rams protecting a double-digit lead throughout. Reinhardt had several comeback attempts but those attempts were curtailed by freshman Devin Pope who had 15 second-half points helping CIU to an eight-point victory.

DiAnthony Heathcock had the most impressive outing of his young career as he set the CIU single-game rebound record with 21 boards, 12 of which came on the offensive end of the floor. Heathcock completed his first double-double of the season, rounding out his 20-plus rebounds with 13 points. 

Floor general Jalen Brinson impressed as he dished out six assists and tallied 12 points going 6-of-7 from the foul line. Junior guard Skyler McKinney appears to have found his stroke as he knocked down three triples on his way to 12 points. 

The Rams had a big boost from their freshman guards, Jaylon Jeter and Devin Pope, as each contributed 15 points. Pope went 5-of-8 from the field and 3-of-5 from 3-point range in just 19 minutes of play. 

The difference in the game came from beyond the arc as CIU shot 40% from deep, hitting ten 3-pointers while holding the Eagles to a dismal 3-of-18 from deep. 

What Coach Stockman is saying: 
"I was excited to see some of our young players step up and make some big plays tonight. Our team played hard and smart, and what we work on in practice is starting to show on the floor. I am also extremely pleased with how DiAnthony played for us this evening; 21 rebounds in a college game is special at any level. He will only get better as the season continues."

Up next:
CIU will host Montreat College (N.C) on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.