COLUMBIA - CIU men's basketball had their opportunities on Saturday night in their inaugural matchup with conference newcomer Pikeville (Ky.) but ultimately were upended by the Bears 82-69. The game was a key Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) test for both teams as the Bears and Rams entered the contest deadlocked at 9-2 in the AAC, sitting atop the conference standings. The loss is CIU's first at home this season as the Rams move 10-6 on the year.

The Ram's last lead of the game came at the 17:53 mark in the first half on a Darrian Oates paint finish to pull CIU ahead 6-5. The Bears responded by leading by as much as 15 (27-12) in the game's first half. CIU picked up the tempo offensively and was able to add some points to the board, trailing 47-34 at the break thanks to a Christian Howard layup a minute before the intermission. 

The Rams cut the Bears' advantage to single digits (50-41) on a pair of Oates free throws two minutes into the second half. Despite several mini-runs, the Rams were unable to claw their way back. CIU did cut the deficit to 66-61 (4:18), but thier opponent from the Bluegrass State was solid from the line in the game's final minutes, securing the win. 

Oates shined for the Rams with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while DiAnthony Heathcock battled inside with 13 points. Heathcocks' frontcourt mate Christian Howard fought through a physical 29 minutes of action, posting 13 points and eight rebounds. Brandon Hunt was a bright spot off the bench with eight points and six boards. 

The Rams were 1-for-8 from beyond the arc, recording the fewest 3-pointers made and attempted in a game in CIU's men's basketball's NAIA era.

Up Next: CIU returns to the hardwood on Jan. 13 with a critical matchup versus Montreat (N.C.) in the North Carolina foothills at 4:00 p.m. EST.