BLUEFIELD, Va. - The CIU women's basketball team went on the road for the first time in 2021, as they traveled to Bluefield, Virginia to take on the Rams of Bluefield College. CIU is hot off a dominant performance against Tennessee Wesleyan as the Rams won 78-58. Despite a promising start to 2021, CIU would fall short to the rival Rams with a final score of 79-64.

How it happened: 
First Half: BC 46 CIU 26: CIU started off strong in the first quarter with two quick field goals by veteran Jordan Sprueill. Bluefield clawed back, however, shooting lights out from three to pull ahead of CIU 21-12 at the end of the first quarter. Hannah Trawick got things going for the Rams early in the second quarter with a field goal to draw within seven of Bluefield. Bluefield went on an 11 point run commanding a 31-17 lead. The half would end with a three-pointer from Queeneka Howard to keep CIU within 20 points of Bluefield. 

Second Half: BC 79 CIU 64: CIU opened up the second half with a field goal from Jordan Sprueill and a three-pointer from Jordin McQueen to draw within 15 of Bluefield. CIU battled back against Bluefield, but the solid shooting and defense from the Virginia Rams proved to much as CIU trailed by 13 at the end of the 3rd. Keniah Watkins and Zion Neat shined in the 4th quarter for CIU, but the Bluefield defense didn't break, as CIU would fall 79-64. 

Game Notes: 

• Jordin McQueen led the Rams in points with 16, going 7-7 from the free-throw line. 
• Graduate student Jordan Sprueill led the team in rebounds (8) and assists (2). 

What Coach Fleming is Saying: 
"Tough road game tonight. Didn't play well enough on the defensive end to win. We have the opportunity to get better this week for next week's games." 

Up Next: CIU looks to bounce back at home as the host  Point University on January 12th at 5 PM.