COLUMBIA, S.C. - As teams jockey for position in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) men's basketball standings in the regular season's final weeks, games become more intense. That was undoubtedly the case Tuesday night as CIU defeated Reinhardt University (Ga.) 68-62 in a game that had a postseason feel to it. The Rams split the season series with Reinhardt and move to 12-9 in conference play, one game back from the Eagles, who are currently in third place. CIU is now 13-11 overall and records their tenth win at home this season. The Rams have now won double-digit home games in each of the last five years.
Tuesday evening saw an ultra-competitive game from the tip, with six lead changes in the first half. Both teams found themselves locked at 20-20 with 5:38 remaining in the first. The Eagles outscored the Rams 9-4 in the waning moments of the half to carry a 29-24 advantage into the break.
After a true defensive battle in the first 20 minutes, the second half saw increased scoring. The Rams grabbed the lead back from Reinhardt on a Darrian Oates triple to go up 37-36 (13:00). Oates would continue to carry the Rams as the clock ticked away, with neither team able to secure a real advantage. It was not until a DiAnthony Heathcock free throw with 1:01 left put the Rams up five (64-59) that the home crowd in the Moore Fitness Center breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Eagles cut the lead to 64-61, but an Oates jumper with 21 seconds remaining sealed the game as CIU ground out the 68-62 win.
Oates was the catalyst for success for CIU, scoring a season-high 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting while going a perfect 5-of-5 at the stripe. Oates stepped up after halftime, with 26 of his points coming in the second half. Heathcock battled the Eagle's formidable bigs, recording his seventh double-double of the year with 18 points and 14 rebounds. The savvy presence of veteran Bryce Causey made a difference for CIU as the junior recorded several timely buckets scoring eight points.
The Rams' defensive effort was notable as CIU held the Eagles 15 points under their season average. The Rams did an excellent job of keeping Reinhardt off the offensive glass allowing just six offensive rebounds. CIU also held Reinhardt to 3-of-11 shooting from deep.
What Coach Tony Stockman is saying: "At this point in the season, everyone is tired both mentally and physically. You have to have your best players step up if you want to win games, and our guys did that tonight. Darrian was phenomenal in the second half, and I thought DiAnthony had a monster game, especially going up against the size that Reinhardt brings to the table."
Up Next: CIU will take on No. 5 Union College (Tenn.) on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 4 PM in Barbourville.
