KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- After a blowout win against Johnson University (Tenn.) last week, the Rams faced a tougher test against the Royals on Monday. However, CIU still managed to leave Tennesee with a 76-70 win as they held off a pesky Johnson team. With the win CIU moves to 16-11 overall and 12-10 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Every victory helps the Rams solidify homecourt advantage in the opening round of the AAC Tournament.
After the Rams held an advantage for much of the first half, Johnson surged ahead 23-22 just under the eight-minute mark. A tightly contested few minutes ensued before the Rams were able to create some separation going up 43-36 at the half.
CIU extended their lead to double-digits (56-46) on a Darrian Oates 3-pointer with 14:20 remaining. Under the ten-minute mark, the Rams led by as much as 13 (64-51), but Johnson battled back to trim the deficit down to 71-67 with 49 seconds left. CIU would secure the win and fend off the Royals by going 5-of-6 at the free-throw line in the waning seconds for their 12th conference victory of the season.
Skyler McKinney had his third 20-point performance of his last four outings as the junior went 41% from the field and 6-of-6 from the line on his way to stuffing the stat sheet with 21 points, six rebounds, and, five assists.
Jalen Brinson was two assists shy of a double-double with eight dimes and 11 points, while Darrian Oates and Christian Howard also each got into double figures. Oates added 15 while Howard chipped in 11.
Bryce Causey and DiAnthony Heathcock dominated the glass as each recorded nine boards. Heathcock was the Rams' primary rim protector with three blocks.
As a team, CIU shared the wealth, tallying a total of 23 assists on the night.
What Coach Tony Stockman is saying:
"Proud of the guys. Tough mentally to play on a Monday with no practice the day before, but we played hard and together. We shared the ball and got our teammate's shots. Definitely a good team win."
Up next:
The Rams travel westward to take on Montreat College (N.C.) on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 PM.
