KNOXVILLE - Both teams traded missed free throws down the stretch as CIU men's basketball suffered its first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) loss of the season Wednesday night, falling to Johnson (Tenn.) 85-84. The loss moves CIU to 6-4 overall and 5-1 in the AAC. CIU has now fallen in their last two matchups with the Royals after winning their first six meetings with Johnson dating back to 2013. 

The Rams held a double-digit advantage over the Royals in the first half, going up 26-15 on a James Davis slam. Johnson climbed back, however, cutting the lead to just two (44-42) with 1:18 remaining before the break. Jalen Brinson was fouled on a three-point attempt in the half's waning seconds and connected on all three free throws to give CIU a 47-42 halftime edge. 

CIU held the advantage until the 8:24 mark when the Royals finally got back in front, seizing a 69-68 lead. The lead changed hands as the minutes ticked by, but CIU's Christian Howard looked to give the Rams the lead for good, giving CIU an 84-82 advantage with just 29 seconds on the game clock. The Royals responded with a triple, however, to put CIU in a one-point deficit. The Rams had chances down the stretch but missed free throws, and a scoreless final possession for CIU handed Johnson the win.  

Howard championed the CIU cause with 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting to go along with five rebounds, while both Brinson and DiAnthony Heathcock posted 15 points each. Heathcock pulled down seven boards to lead the Rams.

CIU had an impressive night shooting the basketball, dialing in a 56% field goal percentage. The Rams also cleaned up on the glass, outrebounding the Royals 35-25. 

Up Next: CIU faces Kentucky Christian University on the road on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 4:00 p.m. EST.