ASHEVILLE - CIU men's basketball staved off a late push from Montreat College (N.C.) Wednesday evening to open the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) regular season with a 76-72 win. Due to damage to the Cavaliers campus during Hurricane Helene, the matchup was played at UNC-Asheville's Kimmel Arena. The victory puts CIU at 4-0 in the young season.

The Rams leapt out to a double-digit lead in the game's first ten minutes going up 19-9 on a Jaylon Jeter layin (10:57). The Cavaliers bounced back however to tie the contest at 27-27 with 1:15 left in the half. CIU's response came from Jeffrey Clark, II who scored inside to put the Rams back up before the intermission  (29-28).

A similar story unfolded in the game's second frame, with CIU in front by as much as 13 (64-51) at the seven-minute mark. Once again, the Cavaliers quickly closed the gap and ultimately brought the score to 74-72 with a half-minute remaining in regulation. Three made free throws from Reid Warga and a missed jump shot from Montreat would seal the evening for CIU, who hung on for the four-point win.

Jeter led the Rams in scoring with 16 points, while fellow senior Christian Howard scored 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field.

Brandon Hunt had a formidable stat line of 14 points and eight boards, while his frontcourt teammate, forward Johnny Whysong, was a rebound shy of a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Neither team was able to catch fire from deep, as each team scored 38 points in the paint. The rebound battle went the way of the Rams, 45 to 39.

Up Next: CIU will host Tennessee Wesleyan at home on Saturday, Nov. 16. Tip is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET.