COLUMBIA - Graduate guard Jalen Brinson recorded his 500th career assist Saturday night as the Rams took care of business versus Kentucky Christian, seizing a 97-74 win. CIU's all-time assist leader, Brinson, becomes the first player in program history to cross the 500-assist threshold. The win helps the Rams hold their place in the Appalachian Athletic Conference standings as they sit third overall at 12-5 in the conference. 

The Rams shot well for the game's entirety as DiAnthony Heathcock put CIU up nine, 31-22, with a 3-pointer with 8:05 left in the half. This lead continued to grow as CIU took a 39-25 advantage on a Darrian Oates jump shot (5:15). However, the Knights would hang around, trimming the lead to 45-37 by halftime. 

KCU got as close as 57-52 (14:14) in the second half before the Rams began to pull away. CIU outscored the Knights 32-16 in the game's final ten minutes, thanks in large part to 11 second-half points from both Oates and Bryce Causey. 

Four of the Ram's five starters finished the game in double-figures, with Oates leading the way with 23 points and eight rebounds. After missing the prior two games, Heathcock was dominant in his return with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Christian Howard battled in the paint, turning in 15 points, while Causey was the fourth starter in double-figure scoring with 13. 

Brandon Hunt came off the bench to score 12 points and grab five boards. 

Brinson enjoyed his milestone evening by scoring eight points and dishing out 11 assists. 

The Rams were red-hot from the field, shooting at a 52% clip while defending at a high level, forcing 16 turnovers.

What Jalen Brinson is saying about recording his 500th assist: "Being able to Achieve the 500 assist milestone is a huge blessing; I wouldn't have been able to do this without my teammates and coaching staff believing in me and the player that I am. From the moment I got to CIU, everyone around me has instilled confidence in me. All the Glory goes to God. I play this game to glorify His name and live out His purpose for me."

Up Next: CIU welcomes Montreat (N.C) to Columbia on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m. EST. The Cavaliers currently carry a six-game-winning streak.