KNOXVILLE, Tn- The Royals hosted the reigning AAC tournament champion CIU Rams on 11/29, and won 85-84.
Dallas Carbaugh led the Royals offense with 24 points as he was one of 4 Royals to score a double-digit total. Malique Oates added 17, Toris Woods had 16, and Jawaun Moore scored 12.
Carbaugh also led the Royals rebounding effort, hauling in 5 boards as the Royals would be outrebounded 35-25.
It was a back and forth battle that ultimately ended in a Royals victory, thanks to a go-ahead three from Toris Woods with 16 seconds to go.
The Rams came into this match undefeated in conference play, and as reigning champions, they have been the only owners of the Hiker trophy all season. Thanks to the efforts of the Royals, the trophy has found a new home for the time being.
The Royals play again on 12/1, when they travel to take on UNC-Asheville.