MILLIGAN, Tenn. - CIU men's basketball made the long trek to Milligan University (Tenn.) on Tuesday for their first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) road trip of the season. The Rams (1-2, 1-1) entered the contest coming off a win over Johnson (Tenn.) over the weekend. However, the Rams would not be able to find the same result against the Buffs (1-2, 1-1), succumbing to their AAC rival 86-82. 

The Rams led for much of the first half despite several lead changes. Darrian Oates shot his way out of a minor slump in the first 20-minutes, scoring 13-points before the break. A Christian Howard layup with 51 seconds remaining in the first half put CIU up 41-38, and they would take that lead into the intermission. 

Despite their halftime lead, CIU trailed by as much as eight (62-54) at the 12' minute mark in the second half. The Rams remained in the contest, however, taking a 71-70 lead on an Oates layup with 5:30 remaining. The Rams clung to a small advantage for the next three minutes until the Buffs took the lead for good (82-80) in the waning moments of the game. The Rams had a chance to tie the game with 1:20 left in regulation, but Christian Howard was denied at the rim, and the Rams ultimately fell 86-82. 

CIU had five players in double figures as Darrian Oates led the Rams in scoring with 20-points on 7-of-12 shooting. DiAnthony Heathcock and Jalen Brinson each stuffed the stat sheet, with Heathcock managing a double-double collecting 18-points and 12 boards, while Brinson put up 14-points and hauled in nine assists. Double-digit giveaways hindered the Rams' cause as CIU lost the turnover battle coughing the ball up 15 times.

Up Next: The Rams are back on the road this Saturday, Nov. 12, for a 4 PM matchup with Tennessee Wesleyan University.