COLUMBIA - Will Kelly exploded for a career-high of 43 points on Wednesday as the junior led CIU to a 98-89 win over Montreat College (N.C.). Kelly's 43 points are the second most in program history in a game and the most in a game by a CIU player at the Moore Fitness Center. The Rams swept the season series with the Cavaliers (14-9, 9-6 AAC) to improve to 11-4 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) action and 16-4 on the year. CIU leapfrogs Johnson (Tenn.) in the AAC standings to move to third on the conference totem poll.
The evening contest saw the Rams jump out to a 13-4 advantage on a Reid Warga old-fashioned 3-point play (15:37). Montreat clawed back to cut the deficit to 27-24 and would eventually seize their first lead of the game at 35-32 (3:45). CIU did end the half on a high point as Kelly sunk a three before the halftime buzzer putting the Rams up 38-36.
Kelly was the focal point of the Rams' offense in the second half as the junior scored 26 second-half points going 4-of-4 from deep. Kelly's hot hand helped CIU grow an advantage as large as 74-51 (10:22). Montreat would get as close as 92-85 before the final horn, but the Rams staved off the late comeback attempt for the nine-point win.
Kelly's career evening was bolstered by a supporting cast of Brandon Hunt, who scored 14, and Johnny Whysong, who poured in a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Kelly's final stat line consisted of going 7-of-10 from beyond the arc and 16-of-19 from the foul line.
Up Next: CIU will stay at home hosting Kentucky Christian at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.Â
