GRAYSON, Ky. - CIU men's basketball has started 2023 with two straight victories as the Rams took care of business against Kentucky Christian (KCU) 90-85 on Thursday night. The win is the Rams' second this year over the Knights as CIU moved to .500 on the season at 7-7 overall and 6-5 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). 

The Rams' only lead of the first half came at 2-0 after a Skyler McKinney bucket at the 18:57 mark. The Rams trailed by as much as 11-points (31-20) with ten minutes left in the half before clawing their way back and trimming the deficit down to 46-41 before the break on a late score from Christian Howard. 

The Rams started the second half on a 10-0 run which was capped off by a 3-pointer from Jalen Brinson to put CIU up 51-46. The Rams never looked back, always staying just out of reach of the Knights in the game's final 20 minutes. KCU would pull within three (88-85) with 33-seconds left on the clock, but Darian Oates iced the game with two free throws to give CIU a 90-85 win. 

The Rams had five players in double-figures, with Howard leading the way scoring a season-high of 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Both Darrian Oates and DiAnthony Heathcock were close to double-doubles as Oates and had 19 points and eight boards, while Heathcock chipped in 15 points and nine rebounds. Jalen Brinson and Skyler McKinney each tallied 12 points of their own, while Brinson also added six assists. 

The Rams were able to make the most of their trips to the charity stripe, going 20-of-25 (80%) as a team on the evening. 

What Coach Tony Stockman is saying: "Great to pick up a conference win. It's easy to be lethargic after getting off the bus after such a long ride, but our guys brought energy and effort on the road tonight. Looking forward to an opportunity for an important win on Saturday." 

Up Next: CIU will return to the Moore Fitness Center to host Montreat College (N.C.) on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 2 PM.