MILLIGAN, Tenn. – CIU men's basketball soldiered on Wednesday evening as their best start to Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play continued with a crucial road win, 98-83 over Milligan University. The win further solidifies CIU's spot on top of the conference standings, with the Rams moving to 7-1 in the AAC and 8-4 overall.
Wednesday's matchup saw the lead change hands through the opening minutes of the contest.
DiAnthony Heathcock was finally able to give the Rams a bit of breathing room, however, with a slam to put CIU up 29-24 (9:13). CIU was unable to grow this advantage, and despite a late jumper with under a minute to go in the half from
Darrian Oates the Rams only led 44-41 at the break.
The Rams picked up the intensity to begin the second and seized their first double-digit lead of the game at the 15:20 mark on a triple from Oates (60-49). CIU held the advantage through the game's final 20 minutes, and despite the Buffs getting as close as five, a 3-pointer from
Brandon Hunt with 3:54 remaining dashed a Milligan comeback attempt as CIU cruised to the double-digit win.
All five of the Rams starters found themselves in double-digits, with
Jalen Brinson,
Bryce Causey, and Heathcock all scoring 13,
Christian Howard chipped in 14, and Oates led the charge with 20. Heathcock penciled in a double-double, adding 11 rebounds to go with his scoring total.
Hunt was excellent off the bench for CIU, with 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting in 23 minutes of action.
Wise shot selection continues to help the Rams find success, as CIU shot 56% from the field as a team.
The Rams shared the ball exceptionally well racking up 24 assists, a mark that ranks fourth all time for single-game team assists in the CIU record book.
What Head Coach Tony Stockman is saying: "This is a tough place to come to and win and I am proud of our guys for staying focused even when Milligan made a few small runs in the second half. It is great to see our scoring as balanced as it was tonight. We are fortunate to have several different weapons to choose from on the offensive end."
Up Next: The Rams head to Kentucky to play at an always challenging Union College squad on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 4:00 p.m. EST.
