BARBOURVILLE, KY. - CIU Men's Basketball (12-7, 8-6 AAC) traveled to take on the Union College Bulldogs. The contest marks the second meeting between the two squads. The Bulldogs got the best of the Rams in their first matchup, 88-74 in only the second game of the season back in November. Before the contest, the Union Bulldogs sat atop the Appalachin Athletic Conference posting a 12-6 record and a 10-2 mark in the conference. The Bulldogs had a comfortable double-digit lead at the half. However, the Rams outscored the Bulldogs in the second half, but the first half deficit proved to be too much for the Rams to overcome, as the Rams would fall 84-73. 

The Bulldogs got off to an early lead going up 10 with 11:36 to go in the first half. Union would stretch their lead to as much as 19 (40-21) with 28 seconds remaining in the half. On the ensuing possession, Christian Howard converted on a layup while being foul on the play. Howard would knock down the free throw, cutting the Bulldogs lead to 16 at the break. 

CIU had a spirited second-half, scoring 49 points in the 20-minute frame. The Rams shot 53.1 percent from the field, going 17-of-32. The Rams would battle back and tie the game up with 3:19 remaining, thanks to a dunk by DiAnthony Heathcock on an assist from Darrian Oates. On the ensuing possession, the Bulldogs would knock down a three-pointer which began a 16-5 run to close out the game en route to an 84-73 win.

The Rams were once again led in scoring by junior guard Darrian Oates who scored 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting. Christian Howard had a big-time game off the bench notching 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting to go along with eight rebounds. Bryce Causey also had an impressive game with 14 points, shooting 6-of-9  from the field and 2-of-3 from behind the arc. Skyler McKinney filled the stat sheet with 12 points, six assists, and eight rebounds. DiAnthony Heathcock would also reach double-figures with 11 points and eight rebounds of his own. 

What Coach Tony Stockman is saying: 
"Proud of how the guys fault back all the way from 16 down to tied it up in the last few minutes. Just wish we could have started the game off with the same focus. Got some things we need to figure out. A lot of games coming up in a short time hopefully we can figure it out fast. Have to play better defense." 

Up Next: 
The Rams hit the road again on Monday, Jan. 31. to take on Kentucky Christian University at 7:30 PM.