KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — CIU men's basketball picked up a pivotal Appalachian Athletic Conference road victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating Johnson University 82–75 at Karnes Arena. The win moves the Rams to 10–6 overall and 5–3 in AAC play, with the result likely carrying postseason implications as the conference race tightens.

CIU controlled the game from the opening tip, leading wire to wire and taking a 34–27 advantage into halftime. The Rams maintained composure during a back-and-forth second half, answering each Johnson run with timely baskets and free throws down the stretch to seal the road win.

Junior forward Johnny Whysong delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 21 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 10-for-13 from the field. Will Kelly followed with 20 points, converting all 10 of his free-throw attempts, and JJ Vaughan added 19 points off the bench, knocking down five three-pointers.

Jeffrey Clark II chipped in 17 points and nine rebounds, while James Davis added three points, five rebounds and three steals. CIU outscored Johnson 48–27 in the paint and went a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line in the final minute to preserve the win.

CIU returns home to continue Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Wednesday, Jan. 7, hosting Bluefield (Va.) at 7:30 p.m. ET.