COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU men's basketball fell 89–80 to No. 13-ranked Pikeville University on Monday evening in Appalachian Athletic Conference play at the Moore Fitness Center.

The Rams traded baskets throughout the opening half and took a narrow one-point lead into halftime after closing the period with a late scoring push. CIU briefly extended the advantage early in the second half, but Pikeville answered with back-to-back three-pointers to regain momentum. The visitors later used a decisive mid-second-half run to create separation, turning a one-possession game into a double-digit lead.

CIU made multiple attempts to rally down the stretch, trimming the deficit to six with under five minutes remaining following a pair of baskets in the paint. Pikeville responded with timely perimeter scoring and free throws in the final minutes to hold off the comeback attempt.

Will Kelly reached a career milestone early in the second half, scoring his 1,000th career point on a three-pointer. Kelly finished with 17 points. Jeffrey Clark, II led CIU with 21 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while JJ Vaughan added 17 points off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers. Rhett Warga contributed eight points and 10 rebounds.

Johnny Whysong filled the stat sheet with eight points, eight rebounds and nine assists, and James Davis added seven points and seven rebounds as CIU finished with a 42–31 rebounding advantage and 24 second-chance points.

The Rams return to action on Wednesday evening, hosting Reinhardt University at 7:30 p.m. ET.