Columbia International University Athletics

The Columbia International University women's basketball team was back in action as they took part in a tournament hosted by Converse College. The Rams and Valkyries battled all throughout the game as it was a back and forth battle. Unfortunately, the Rams fell in the tough battle as the Valkyries won, 72-66.

The Rams got off to a good start as they scored the games first four points in the opening minute. Raven Fleming hit the first shot and then on the Rams next possession Semoine Frasier was able to convert on a layup. Over the next two minutes each team would have numerous opportunities to score, but only five points were scored and all of them went to the Valkyries. However, the Rams were able to score on their next two possessions to take the lead once again due to Berther Ondiek. The teams would go back and forth, but at the end of the period the Valkyries would find a groove and go on a 9-2 run to take a 19-12 lead after one period.

To start the second period the Valkyries would continue their little run before a layup from Frasier put a halt to it. The Rams would then go on a small 6-0 run of their own to cut their deficit down to six. With 3:11 left in the second quarter the Rams were able to cut the Valkyries lead to two. The Rams were not done yet as Zeleria Simpson made two free throws to narrow the margin to one point, 31-30. The two teams would trade baskets over the next two minutes, but the Rams would go into the half down by four, 38-34.

The two teams struggled coming out of halftime as the Valkyries score first, but at the 8:06 mark Jordan Spruell would give the Rams their first points of the half. The teams would battle, but the Valkyries would gain an advantage as they were able to push their lead to double digits. Over a two and a half minute span the Rams would go on a 5-0 run to trim the deficit into the single digits again. However, at the end of the third quarter the Valkyries would have a 52-43 lead.

A basket by Raven Fleming would be the first points of the fourth quarter. Over a thirty second span the Rams and Valkyries would match each other point for point, but the Valkyries still held onto their lead. The Rams would put the pressure on the Valkyries then as two free throws from Fleming and a jumper from Simpson put the Rams down by two points with only four minutes to play. The Rams would then tie the game at sixty one with three minutes left to play. The tie was short lived as the Valkyries hit a three on their next possession, but Frasier wasn't;t going to let the Rams stay down for long as she hit a three to match the Valkyries. However, over the final couple minutes the Valkyries would take the lead and hold on to it to beat the Rams.

Columbia International shot 41.8% (28-67) from the field, while Converse shot 38% (27-71)...The Rams held a slight edge in rebounds as they had 45, while Converse had 44...The Rams had two players record a double-double tonight...Raven Fleming had 21 points and 13 rebounds...Jordan Spruell had 18 points and 10 rebounds...The Rams had a great team effort tonight as Semoine Fraiser had 15 points and seven rebounds, Zeleria Simpson had nine points and seven assists, while Berther Ondiek had three points, three steals, and six rebounds...The Valkyries were led by Tatum Boggs with 22 points.

Columbia International will be back in action tomorrow as they play their second and final game of the tournament. The Rams will take on Chowan University at 1 p.m.