NORTH CHARLESTON - Junior JJ Vaughan was just a few plays away from leading CIU men's basketball to their first-ever NCAA Division I win as the Ohio native scored 24 points in a 95-89 exhibition loss to Charleston Southern (S.C.).

The Rams led by as much as eight (79-71) with 8:48 remaining in the contest after 11 straight points from Vaughan. The Buccaneers closed the gap, but CIU would respond and extend the advantage back out to 83-78 on free throws from Howard (4:32). CIU ultimately gave up the lead at 84-83 as Charleston Southern staved off the upset-minded Rams in the waning minutes of the game for the 6-point win.

The Rams had five players in double figures as Vaughans 24 came off 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc. Howard scored 22 points, while Brandon Hunt picked up a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Will Kelly and Johnny Whysong rounded out the scoring as Kelly chipped in 12 points and Whysong tallied ten.

Up Next: CIU travels to UNC Asheville for another Division I exhibition matchup on Monday, Dec. 30, at 6:30 p.m. ET.