KINGSPORT, Tenn - CIU men's basketball erased an eight-point deficit in the game's final minute, but a DiAnthony Heathcock last-minute heave missed the mark as the Rams fell 77-75 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament Championship to No. 1 seeded Union (Ky.). The matchup notably pitted the last two AAC Tournament Champions against one another, as Union was the 2022 victor, and the Rams took home the crown in 2023. After the loss, CIU currently sits at 20-11 on the season.
Saturday's contest saw 15 different lead changes, which was highlighted especially in the game's first half. Johnny Whysong would knock down a triple midway through the half to put the Rams up 21-19. But for every CIU score, the Bulldogs had an answer. The Rams found themselves up six, 26-20, on Christian Howard's layin with 8:17, but once again, Union responded and led 37-36 at the break.
The second half mirrored the first until the Bulldogs seemingly pulled away, going up 74-66 with 2:42 remaining. However, the Rams wouldn't go away. Aided by missed free throws, they clawed their way back to tie the game on a Darrian Oates and-one with 18 seconds to go. Union answered one final time as Deonte Douglas finished a contested runner to put the Bulldogs up with two ticks left. The Rams executed a well-drawn-up in-bounds play, but the last-second attempt missed the mark as CIU succumbed by two points.
Oates and Heathcock were both named to the AAC All-Tournment team as Oates scored 18 in the title game, and Heathcock posted 16 points and nine rebounds.
Howard shot 50% from the field, scoring 14 points, while Jalen Brinson tallied 12 points and four assists.
Johnny Whysong scored six points off the bench with two clutch triples.
The Rams went a perfect 12-of-12 from the foul line.
What Coach Tony Stockman is saying: "Proud of our guys for the way we finished the game. We didn't stop playing even when we were down late. Credit to Union for making a tough shot at the end, but that doesn't take away from how special this team is and the contributions these guys have made to CIU men's basketball."
Up Next: The Rams will make the short trek up I-77 to participate in the NCCAA South Region Tournament, Mar. 11-12, at the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, S.C.
