COLUMBIA, SC – The CIU women's basketball team started the New Year by hosting the Bears of Truett-McConnell University on Thursday evening. The contest was the second meeting of the season between the two teams, the first coming just a few short weeks before on December 4th. The Rams lost that matchup 61-57 and would drop another game to the Bears 50-46, barely losing by a four-point margin once again.

How It Happened 

1st Half CIU 25 TMU 18 – The Rams started the first half with gusto, leading the Bears 19-6 after the first quarter. Senior Jordan Sprueill and sophomore center Hannah Trawick were the catalyst to the Ram's early success. Sprueill scored six first-quarter points while Trawick chipped in four. The Rams would continue the lead throughout the second quarter despite a surge from the Bears. CIU would have a nine-point lead 25–16 after two free throws by Kiara Austin; however, CIU took just a seven-point advantage into the break.

2nd Half TMU 50 CIU 46 – CIU would score off an Austin fastbreak layup three minutes into the second half but would relinquish the lead for the first time in the game 30-29 at the 4:48 mark in the third quarter. CIU would battle back behind seven more points from Austin and retake the advantage 40-39 heading into the fourth quarter. The final period would be a low scoring affair, and the Rams would only be able to muster six points in the fourth quarter while the Bears put up eleven points in the quarter to seal the victory.

Game Notes

• Sophomore Hannah Trawick started the New Year off with a solid offensive performance scoring 12 points and shooting 50% from the field.
• Jordan Sprueill continues to lead the Rams posting another double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
• The Rams had a bright spot in Kiara Austin who notched 11 points and 7 rebounds.

Next Up

CIU will travel to Kentucky Christian on Saturday, January 4th.