KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The CIU men's basketball team can relate to No. 3 seeded Reinhardt University (Ga.) as the Eagles were ousted in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday. Last year it was CIU who was the No. 3 seed being taken down by the No. 6 seed; however this season it was role reversal for the sixth seeded Rams as they upset the Eagles 84-80. The win gives CIU (20-11) their 20th win of the season and helps them reach the AAC Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2020.

It was a very competitive first half as both teams traded the lead throughout the first 20 minutes. However, a 3-pointer right before the first half horn gave the Eagles a 37-33 advantage at the break. It was even scoring for the Rams in the first half as they had three players lead them in scoring with six apiece at halftime. 

The game appeared to be slipping away from the Rams as the Eagles went up double-digits 54-44 halfway through the second half. But CIU clawed their way back to go up by as much as four (73-69) with 2:28 remaining on a pair of Christian Howard free throws. Then with 1:19 left and CIU up 75-73, Jalen Brinson drilled a dagger three to put the game out of reach as CIU ultimately held off the Eagles 84-80. 

CIU had balanced scoring with five players recoding double-figures Darrain Oates led the way with 19 points, 13 of which came in the second half. 

Jalen Brinson had 13 points, while DiAnthony Heathcock had 12. Christian Howard went a perfect 2-of-2 from the field and 6-of-6 from the line on his way to 10 points. 

Thomas Woods had 11 points off the bench, while Bryce Causey was two points away from a double-double with eight points and 11 rebounds. 

The Rams won the game at the foul line knocking down 26 free throws. 

What Coach Tony Stockman is saying: 

"I usually start with how proud I am of the guys, and it's no different tonight. With Skyler McKinney out, a lot of guys needed to step up, and they did. We have been a pretty balanced team all year, but it is great to see some of the young players show up and the older players make plays down the stretch to pull out the win."

Up next: 

CIU will challenge the No. 2 seeded Montreat (N.C.) Cavaliers in the conference semifinals on Friday at 4 PM in Kingsport