Columbia,–S.C.: Just over a week after Zion Neat had a game-winning putback versus St. Andrews University, Neat had another game-winner, this time against Columbia College (6-8) on Thursday night. CIU (10-11) defeated the Koalas 68-67 to move them into the double-digit wins for the year. CIU avenges a loss to Columbia earlier in the season as CIU lost to their crosstown rival in their first game of conference play.
How It Happened:
First Quarter: CIU 30 CC 24: The Rams trailed 8-7 late in the first quarter until Hannah Trawick ended the period with four straight points to give CIU an 11-7 advantage. The Rams would pull ahead by as much as 26-15 in the second quarter but only led 30-24 at halftime. Trawick led the Rams with 10 points in the first half.
Second Half: CIU 68 CC 67: CIU yielded the lead to Columbia, 27-26 with 4:18 remaining in the third quarter. CIU regained the advantage momentarily but trailed 44-42 at the end of three. Jordin McQueen came alive in the fourth quarter scoring 10 points in the final period. Her biggest points of the game would come on an and-one three-pointer to cut the Koala lead from eight points to 62-58. CIU trailed 67-66 after a Trawick basket with :12 seconds left. Tiona Walls would get a huge steal off the inbounds, and Zion Neat sank a floater after the timeout with :06 seconds left to give CIU the 68-67 win.
Hear from Coach Danielle Fleming and Zion Neat after the win:
Game Notes:
- Hannah Trawick was excellent in her first start of the season with 14 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double. Trawick shot 50% from the field at 7-14.
- Zion Neat had her fourth double-double on the season with 16 rebounds 12 points. Neat's 16 rebounds are the second-most by a freshman in a game in CIU history.
- Tiona Walls was one point away from a double-double with nine points and 10 boards.
- Jordin McQueen had 10 points, while Keniah Watkins scored 12. McQueen had 4 assists to go with an impressive fourth-quarter performance.
- CIU wins its 10th game of the season and has double-digit wins for the first time since the 2014-2015 season.
Up Next:
CIU will challenge Brenau University at home on February 4th at 5 PM.