COLUMBIA - After two uncharacteristic Appalachian Athletic Conference losses, CIU men's basketball bounced back on Tuesday night, hammering St. Andrews (N.C.) 86-72. The win keeps a dominant trend for the Rams, who have won nine straight games versus the Knights dating back to 2020. The win marked the tenth conference victory for CIU (11-7, 10-4 AAC), assuring the Ram's double-digit conference wins in each of their six seasons as members of the AAC. 

Tuesday's contest saw the Rams immediately jump out to an early 11-4 lead (17:39) on a Darrian Oates 3-pointer. The Rams built the advantage to double digits thanks to momentum created by their bench. Connor Higgins came off the pine to throw down a thunderous slam off an inbounds pass, and then Will Kelly followed with a three-pointer (23-11) on the next possession. By halftime, the lead had grown to 19 (51-32) as Kelly scored in the paint in the first half's waning moments. 

The game's final 20 minutes were more of the same as the Rams led by as much as 31 points (79-48) on a Jackson Inman triple (9:48). Thanks to a handful of timely 3-pointers, the Knights were able to trim the deficit down to 86-72 before the final horn. 

Seven different players knocked down a 3-pointer for the Rams on Tuesday as Darrian Oates led the way, going 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and totaling 16 points on the evening. DiAnthony Heathcock was formidable in the paint for the Rams, with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Kelly came off the bench to pour in 12 points and tally three rebounds. 

The Rams were two shy of their season-high in assists, totaling 22 dimes versus the Knights. 

Hear from veteran guard Bryce Causey postgame:


Up Next: The Rams head to Dayton, Tenn, to face a talented Bryan College team on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m. EST.