CLEVELAND, Ga. - Despite going nearly three weeks without a game, CIU men's basketball looked in prime form Tuesday, pulling away from Truett McConnell (Ga.) in the second half for a 77-52 win. CIU starts the New Year by sweeping the season series with the Bears and climbing to 9-2 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). The win is CIU's tenth overall on the season, as the Rams hold a 10-5 record midway through the 2023-2024 season.
CIU found themselves in a seven-point hole after the first ten minutes of action, trailing the Bears 22-15. However, the Rams surged forward on a 9-2 run capped off by a traditional 3-point play from
Johnny Whysong (7:47). CIU grew the lead out to double-digits after
DiAnthony Heathcock scored inside to put the Rams ahead 36-26 with 2:33 remaining in half. A late jumper from
Jalen Brinson would give the Rams a 38-30 advantage heading into the break.
The Rams shot 50% from the field in the second half and ballooned their lead up to 67-43 (9:44) on another Brinson jumper. The Bears trimmed the lead down to 11 (71-60) with just over three minutes left in regulation. However, the clock aided the Rams down the stretch as CIU glided to the 15-point victory.
Brinson was a force for the Rams with 16 points on 8-of-14 shooting while dishing out three assists. Big man Dianthony Heathcock chalked up a double-double with 12 points and 13 points, while Hunt stuffed the stat sheet with nine points and seven rebounds.
Christian Howard made an impact with nine points of his own to go along with six rebounds, while Whyson posted nine and three for the Rams.
The Rams won the game on the glass, outrebounding the Bears 48-29.
What Coach Tony Stockman is saying: "You never know how games will go coming off a long break. We are fortunate to have a veteran team who did the little things well in this game. We had a lot of guys contribute today for a solid team win."
Up Next: CIU battles for the top spot in the AAC as they host conference newcomer Pikeville (Ky.) at home on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 4:00 p.m. EST.
