CHARLESTON, S.C. – With Big South conference play beginning January 2nd, CSU hosted the Rams of Columbia International University to finish their 2024-25 non-conference slate.

Prior to Saturday, CSU had a perfect 5-0 all-time record against the CIU Rams. The last times the two teams squared off was back in 2019 as the Bucs won the ball game 99-71.

With an even more limited roster than even the Bucs have become accustomed to, true freshman Keenan Wilkins would enter the starting lineup for only the fourth time this season. Also starting for the Bucs were RJ Johnson, Daylen Berry, Lamar Oden Jr., and Reis Jones.

The Buc Dome crowd got to witness a very competitive first half. Both teams traded baskets for almost the entirety of the first 20 minutes of action. A scoring run by CSU in the half's final minutes would give the Bucs a ten point lead heading into the locker room. 

Of the Bucs' 53 first half points, 20 belonged to Daylen Berry. Berry, who's previous career-high was 19 (at LSU), shattered his record today as the junior guard finished with 27 points.

The second half was just as tight as the first, and although CIU's JJ Vaughn seemingly could not miss a shot, CSU's determination ground out a six-point (95-89) victory.

Leading the Bucs was Daylen Berry. His 27 points were a result of shooting 7/13 from the field, 3/7 from three, and 10/11 from the charity stripe. Berry also snagged 10 rebounds to give himself his third double-double of the season.

RJ Johnson also had a successful individual performance as the guard from Matthews, N.C. poured in 25 points and 7 assists of his own. In addition to Berry and Johnson, three other Bucs finished in double-figures: Anthony Gause (11), Keenan Wilkins (11), and Reis Jones (10).

In addition to his 10 points, Reis Jones also hauled in 13 rebounds and blocked 3 shots.

Lamar Oden Jr. neared a double-double of his own as he scored 9 points and pulled in 8 rebounds.

CSU's victory finalizes their non-conference record at 4-11 as the head into Big South league play January 2nd when they host the Runnin' Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb at 1 PM.

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