BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - CIU men's Basketball escaped with a 66-64 win over a feisty Union Commonwealth team to restart Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) action after a holiday furlough. The win further accents a historic start to the season for CIU, who is a 12-1 overall and sitting atop the AAC standings.

The Rams trailed through much of the first half but would break open an eight-point advantage 27-19 at the 6:00 minute mark on a layup from Christian Howard. JJ Vaughan was a spark off the bench in the first half, knocking down two 3-pointers as CIU led 35-29 at the break.

The Rams secured their first double-digit lead of the game (51-41) on a pair of Johnny Whysong free throws (10:53), but the Bulldogs would continue to hang around. Union clawed their way back to tie the game at 62-62 (1:39) before a minute-long scoring drought from both teams. Will Kelly put the Rams in front for good (64-62)with 27 ticks left on the clock, then iced the game with two free throws to help the Rams to their eighth consecutive regular-season win.

Kelly led the Rams in scoring with 16 points, while his teammate in the backcourt, James Davis, was a force on both ends with 11 points and six steals. Christian Howard was the only other Ram in double figures with ten.

Senior Brandon Hunt scored seven points and is now ten away from 1,000 for his career. Hunt scored 638 atsz fellow NAIA program, Bethel University (Ind.), during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Up Next: CIU hosts St. Andrews (N.C.) on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET in their first home game of 2025.