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Columbia International University Athletics

Jalen vs ALC
64
Southwestern Christian (O SCU
79
Winner Columbia International (S CIU
Southwestern Christian (O SCU
64
Final
79
Columbia International (S CIU
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Southwestern Christian (O SCU 35 29 64
Columbia International (S CIU 33 46 79

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | gfrierson

Rams notch postseason win toppling 6th seeded Southwestern Christian

WINONA LAKE, Ind. – CIU men's basketball picked up their first win in the NCCAA National Championship since 2019 as the Rams defeated 6th seeded Southwestern Christian (SCU) on Thursday. Playing in the consolation bracket after their loss to Alice Lloyd, the Rams trailed early but came back to cruise to a 79-64 win over SCU (6-11). The Eagles hail from the NAIA and Sooner Athletic Conference based out of Oklahoma.

How It Happened: CIU trailed midway through the first half, 20-17, until a bucket from Skyler McKinney and a free throw from Jalen Brinson evened the score at 20 apiece. With 5:20 remaining in the half, a Thomas Woods triple gave the Rams a 27-25 advantage. Despite scores inside by Woods and Corey Benton and free throws from Darrian Oates, the Rams gave up the lead trailing at the half 35-33.

The Rams lagged behind 44-42 in the first 5:00 minutes of the second half, but back-to-back threes from Woods and Benton gave CIU a 48-46 edge. The Rams surged forward and added to their lead, going up 62-50 on a Benton and-one layup at the 10:01 mark. The advantage continued to expand after a Brinson score and an Elijah Spalding pair of free throws as the lead ballooned to 71-54. CIU was outscored 10-8 down the stretch, but still, the Rams enjoyed a 79-64 win.

Game Notes:

  • This is CIU's first win in the NCCAA National Championship since March of 2019 when they defeated Piedmont International in this same consolation game.
  • Corey Benton scored 20 points knocking down a season-high five 3-pointers.
  • Darrian Oates scored 11 points, going 4-6 from the field with eight rebounds.
  • Elijah Spalding was just shy of a double-double with 8 points and nine boards.
  • Thomas Woods was lights-out from deep, going 3-5 from beyond the arc, notching 13 points.
  • CIU knocked down a tournament-best 11 3-pointers.

What Coach Stockman is saying:

"I am very pleased and proud of how the guys came out and played today. We guarded and shared the ball while making winning plays."

Up Next:

CIU will play in the 5th place game Friday evening at 7:00 PM.

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