KINGSPORT, Tenn. - CIU men's basketball received a loss in their final game of NAIA "The Show" on Saturday despite a late push. CIU dropped the contest, 75-70, to Trinity International (Ill.) to fall to 4-4 overall on the season in their first-ever meeting with the Trojans.

It was not the Rams' best first half of basketball as they would give up a 13-4 run midway through the half and find themselves trailing the Trojans 31-14 at the 5:24 mark. The Rams were able to get a bit more going offensively in the final minutes of the half but still trailed 42-25 at the break.

CIU opened the second half on an 8-0 run thanks to several scores from Darrian Oates. The Rams slowly chipped away at the lead throughout the half and finally trimmed the lead down to five (73-68) on an and-one from Bryce Causey with a minute remaining. The Rams cut the deficit to 73-70 on two free throws from Oates with 16 seconds remaining and then forced a turnover. However, CIU's final possession came up empty as the Rams fell 75-70. 

Oates had his best game thus far this season with 21 points (8-of-12) while shooting 75% from deep with three triples. Skyler McKinney was the other Ram in double figures with 11, while Causey and James Davis each added nine points. DiAnthony Heathcock was all over the floor for CIU with ten rebounds, five steals, two blocks, and five points. Turnovers hurt the Rams in several critical moments as CIU gave up the rock a season-high 20 times. 

What Coach Tony Stockman is saying: "Wish we could have picked up a win today, but we have had a great experience at the showcase this weekend. NAIA "The Show" is a first-class event, and it was awesome to be able to give our guys a chance to play in an atmosphere like this during the regular season."

Up Next: The Rams will travel to USC-Upstate on Wednesday, Nov. 30, for an exhibition game beginning at 7:00 PM.