KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Road games have not been kind to CIU men's basketball this season, and that trend continued on Tuesday night as the Rams fell to Johnson (Tenn.) 89-84. The loss is CIU's first in the ten-year series between the two programs, which dates back to November of 2013. The Rams are now 6-1 all-time versus the Royals and fall to 8-9 on the season and 7-7 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play. 

The Rams opened up a 15-10 advantage at the 13:08 mark in the first half on a Christain Howard layup. The Rams extended that lead three minutes later all the way out to 22-15 on a DiAnthony Heathcock triple. CIU would lead by as much as 12 (35-23) before the Royals stormed back to trim the advantage to 40-37 at the break. 

A back-and-forth battle ensued in the second half as the Rams found themselves knotted at 60-60 after a Chrisitan Howard layup with 10:32 remaining. A dunk from the Royals put Johnson up 62-60, and unfortunately for CIU, the Royals would hold the advantage for good. CIU had a chance to tie the game trailing 78-75 at the 2:17 but a Darrian Oates three would miss the mark. The Royals extended their lead slightly down the stretch as CIU fell 89-84. 

CIU had four players in double-digit scoring, with Oates leading the way with 19 points going a perfect 5-of-5 from the line. DiAnthony Heathcock poured in 18 points, collecting a double-double with 11 rebounds. Skyler McKinney and Christian Howard were the other two Rams in double-figures with 16 points and 13 points, respectively. 

CIU worked the glass securing 43 rebounds compared to just 34 rebounds from Johnson. The Rams made the most of their trips to the free throw line as a team, going 18-for-23 (78%).

Up Next: The Rams are back on the road on Saturday, Jan. 21 for a 4 PM tip with Montreat College (N.C.).