COLUMBIA - Brandon Hunt recorded his 1,000th career point Saturday as the Rams won yet another pivotal Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup 70-64 over Milligan University (11-8, 7-5 AAC). The win keeps CIU holding fast as the top team in the conference as the Rams are the only loss team left in the AAC at 14-1 overall and 9-1 in league action.

Hunt was three points away from 1,000 entering Saturday's contest and would cross the 1,000-point threshold on a layup with 9:00 minutes remaining in the first half. CIU trailed for much of the first frame but took the lead on a Jaylon Jeter three-pointer 27-25. The Rams led by one at the half 34-33

The Buffaloes dug in their heels to open the second half and surge ahead by as much as 41-37 (15:12). However, CIU retook the advantage 42-41 on a Jeter layup and did not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. The Rams' largest lead of the afternoon came at 65-55 (3:32) after a JJ Vaughan contested triple. Milligan got within four (68-64) with 17 seconds left, but Will Kelly iced the win (and stayed perfect on the season from the foul line) with two free throws on the next possession.

The Rams' guard play was excellent on the evening as Kelly scored 17, Vaughan poured in 13, and Jeter posted 12. The Rams recorded just eight turnovers, while the aforementioned trio went a combined 7-of-14 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Johnny Whysong made an impact in multiple areas with six points, seven assists, and five rebounds.

The Rams' defense forced 19 turnovers and 12 total steals.

Up Next: CIU travels to Tennessee Wesleyan on Monday, Jan. 20, for rescheduled game with the Bulldogs. Tip-off will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET.