PIKEVILLE, Ky. — CIU men's basketball opened Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play on the road Saturday, falling 81–75 to (RV) Pikeville in a competitive matchup at UPike Gym.

CIU (4–3, 0–1 AAC) trailed 47–30 at halftime after Pikeville knocked down 11 first-half three-pointers, but the Rams surged back in the second half, outscoring the Bears 45–34 and cutting the deficit to two in the final minute before running out of time.

Johnny Whysong posted a dominant performance with 20 points and 12 rebounds, going 10-for-20 from the field. Will Kelly added 18 points, including three three-pointers, to go along with four steals. James Davis totaled 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting while adding two steals. Jeffrey Clark, II contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Rhett Warga added nine points and four rebounds, and CIU forced 21 Pikeville turnovers while turning them into 22 points. The Rams shot 50 percent in the second half, including key threes from Davis and Kelly during their late push.

Pikeville (3–2, 2–0 AAC) used 12 made three-pointers and an efficient 83 percent showing at the free-throw line to maintain its edge despite CIU's comeback effort.

CIU returns home for its next AAC matchup on Wednesday, Nov. 19, hosting Montreat at 7:30 p.m. ET.