MARIETTA, Ga. - CIU men's basketball picked up a significant non-conference NAIA win on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Life University Eagles (Ga.) 82-77. Life hails from the competitive Mid-South Conference, which boasts several of the top programs in the NAIA. CIU moves to 7-4 overall with the win while the Eagles fall to 3-6 on the season. 

The Rams led by as much as 40-31 in the waning minutes of the first half before the Eagles cut the score to 40-35 going into the break. Life would surge ahead with 13:19 remaining in the second half, but CIU retook the lead moments later on a Thomas Woods 3-pointer and would not yield the advantage for the rest of the contest holding off the Eagles 82-77.

Freshman Christian Howard stepped up big in the absence of DiAnthony Heathcock as he pulled down eight rebounds going 9-of-11 from the field for 19 points. Skyler McKinney continues to find his rhythm as the junior went 3-of-5 from behind the arc as he poured in 21 points. Thomas Woods also went 3-of-5 from deep as he was the third player with double-digit points with 11. 

What Coach Tony Stockman is saying:

"Proud of the guys who stepped up with DiAnthony and Ramiro out and Jeter banged up. We play games like this to help us get ready for conference games.Good road win for our program."

Up Next:

CIU will take on Warner University (Fla.) on Dec. 16 in Lakes Wales, Fla. at 6 PM.