KINGSPORT, Tenn. — CIU men's basketball opened play at NAIA "The Show" on Friday evening with an 81–49 loss to No. 3 Freed-Hardeman at the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center.

The Lions (10–1) controlled the matchup from the start, taking a 38–22 lead into halftime and maintaining consistent pressure throughout. Freed-Hardeman forced 30 CIU turnovers and converted them into 38 points while holding the Rams to 37 percent shooting from the field.

James Davis and JJ Vaughan each scored 11 points to lead CIU, with Davis adding six rebounds. Jackson Inman provided 10 points off the bench, including a pair of threes, while Vuk Veljic and Johnny Whysong added five points apiece. Whysong also grabbed nine rebounds and recorded four assists and two steals. KJ Anderson pulled down eight rebounds.

CIU (6–5) continues play at NAIA "The Show" on Saturday, Nov. 29, facing Tennessee-Southern at 1:30 p.m. ET.