COLUMBIA, S.C. - The CIU men's basketball team reached double-digit wins on their home court for the second straight year as CIU defeated Milligan University 88-68 in the Moore Fitness Center Saturday afternoon. The win was necessary for the Rams to hold their second-place spot in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). CIU (12-6) struggled early with Milligan (8-9) but would run away with the contest in the second half.

How It Happened:

First Half: MU 38 CIU 35: The game started all Milligan as the Buffaloes lept out to a 13-2 lead over CIU. Milligan would still lead 26-13 with just under 10:00 minutes remaining. However, CIU outscored Milligan 22-12 in the final 9:00 minutes of the half as the Rams held the momentum heading into the break trailing just 38-35. Skyler McKinney and Corey Benton both scored seven points in the first half, while DiAnthony Heathcock chipped in six points.

Second Half: CIU 88 MU 68: CIU trailed 50-49 at the 14:46 mark when Bryce Causey scored four straight for the Rams with a bucket inside, and the freshman connected on two free throws. Leading 53-49 after the scores, CIU never trailed again for the rest of the contest. CIU took a commanding 73-59 lead after Corey Benton muscled his way to the basket for a layup. The advantage only grew as Elijah Spalding added two more on a fastbreak thanks to a Skyler McKinney steal. Causey threw the knockout blow draining his third 3-pointer of the game to all but put Milligan away as CIU surged forward 79-60 with 4:46 remaining. Defensive pressure from CIU thwarted any comeback attempt from the Buffaloes as CIU secured the 88-68 win.

Game Notes:

• CIU won their 10th home game of the season as the Rams are now 10-1 in the Moore Fitness Center.
• Skyler McKinney has stepped up as of late as the sophomore scored 19 points, grabbed six rebounds, and notched four steals.
• Bryce Causey played one of his best games of the season, scoring 15 points, going 3-5 from beyond the arc.
• CIU's veteran players Corey Benton and Elijah Spalding were productive, with Spalding contributing 13 points and seven rebounds while Benton scored 13 points and had six assists.
• The Rams bench played their part as Jalen Brinson had seven points and four assists while DiAnthony Heathcock was solid with 10 points and six boards.

Up Next:

CIU will travel to St. Andrews University to take on the Knights on Monday, February 15th at 7 PM.