WINONA LAKE, Ind. – CIU men's basketball entered the NCCAA Men's Basketball National Championship seeded the highest in the history of the program as the 2nd overall seed. The Rams opened the tournament with a first-round game against fellow NAIA member Alice Lloyd College. Alice Lloyd (18-6) entered the contest off a tournament loss in Coach Tony Stockman's old stomping ground, the River States Conference. The Eagles were a formidable 7th seed and led early in the contest. CIU fought back but ultimately succumbed to Alice Lloyd 79-72.
How It Happened: CIU fell behind the Eagles 9-2 early on in the contest until Corey Benton added to the Ram's point total with an and-one finish. The Eagles extended their advantage, but CIU would get back within two, 19-17 after a Jalen Brinson triple. CIU continued to trail, but closed the gap on an Elijah Spalding bucket to make the score 35-31 with 3:09 remaining. Alice Lloyd scored once more in the half and took a 37-31 advantage into the break.
The Rams began to show signs of life in the second half as a steal by Benton, and a Skyler McKinney layup tied the game at 42-42. After Brandon Doss picked up a steal and a fastbreak finish of his own, the Rams led by as much as 49-44 with 13:09 left in the half. However, the Eagles hung around and snatched back the advantage going up on CIU 56-54. The Rams battled but Alice Lloyd pulled away down the stretch as CIU was toppled 79-72.
Game Notes:
- Corey Benton led the Rams with 19 points and 9 rebounds.
- Darrian Oates had 10 points while shooting 50% from the field.
- Skyler McKinney added 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Elijah Spalding had double-digit rebounds with 10.
- Bryce Causey was effective off the bench with 6 rebounds and 6 points.
- The Rams outscored the Eagles in bench points but were out-rebounded 47-41.
What Coach Stockman is saying:
"I am disappointed that we couldn't pull out the win. Their size and strength really were the difference in the game."
Up Next:
CIU will take on Southwestern Christian University in the consolation bracket tomorrow at 3:30 PM.