LAKE WALES, Fla. - CIU men's basketball played its second consecutive non-conference NAIA contest on Thursday as they took part in the opening day of the Warner Christmas Classic. CIU took on host school Warner University (10-4, 4-1 Sun) in the nightcap of day one as the Rams fell to the Royals 94-78. Both teams entered the matchup coming off significant wins as CIU had defeated Life University (Ga.) in their prior game while Warner came into Thursday evening fresh of a win over No. 1 ranked University of St. Francis (Ind.). With the loss to Warner, CIU falls to 7-5 on the season.

Warner started to extend their advantage about eight minutes into the game as they took their first double-digit lead 28-18 with 12:28 remaining in the half. The Rams trailed 56-38 at halftime but started the second half on a 9 to 2 run, trimming the lead to 58-47 in the early minutes of half number two. However, the Rams could not find their rhythm offensively the rest of the way as they bowed out, 94-78. The loss is their largest margin of defeat since a 19-point loss to Lancaster Bible College (Pa.) in the NCCAA National Tournament last season. 

Usually, a recipe for success, the combination of juniors Darian Oates and Skyler McKinney combined for 38 points, and ten rebounds as Oates put up 21 points, and McKinney scored 17. 

However, CIU only saw 24 points out of the rest of the Rams' offense as DiAnthony Heathcock had a product night with 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Jalen Brinson was well represented in the box score as the Orlando native had nine points, five rebounds, and four assists. 

The story of the game was on the glass as CIU was outrebounded by Warner, 39 to 23. 

Up Next:

CIU will play their second and final game of the Warner Christmas Tournament against Florida National University on Friday, Dec. 17, at 6 PM.