COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's basketball played their second game in two days on Saturday afternoon, taking fellow on Appalachain Athletic Conference foe Montreat College (N.C.). CIU looked to claim their second conference win of the season after coming up short in their last two opportunities. Unfortunately, the Rams could not complete the comeback after being down by 16 at the half and would fall to the Montreat 74-71. 

The Rams struggled to stop the Cavaliers defensively throughout the first two quarters, trailing by double digits at the break. Montreat would catch fire from the three-point arc in the second quarter, knocking in five of their six attempts, which sparked their 16 point half-time advantage. However, the Rams could not find a rhythm offensively, especially from the three-point line, going a combined 2-9 in the first two quarters. 

Coach Fleming's squad would battle back in the third and fourth quarters playing stifling defense and converting on more shots on the offensive end. With 1:13 left in the fourth, CIU would take the lead for the first time since the first quarter on a layup from Teneea Heston. However, the Cavaliers guard Destiny Lewis would answer with a three-pointer to put her team up by two. Moments later, down by four, Madison Hatcher would cut the Rams deficit to one again with a clutch three-point basket with six seconds remaining in the game. The Rams would foul the Cavaliers on the ensuing inbound pass, forcing two free throws, which Montreat would convert on. CIU would have one last opportunity to force overtime, but Zion Neat's three-point shot would not fall, resulting in a 74-71 loss. 

Madison Hatcher continues her excellent freshman campaign scoring 16 points snagging nine rebounds and three steals. Zion Neat also contributed offensively, adding 12 points, shooting 5-of-11 from the field. Teneea Heston would also reach double figures with 11 points off the bench. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:
"I really loved our effort and defense in the third and fourth quarters, we just can't get behind like we did early tonight. We are down in the ditch right now, and we have to figure out what to do to get back on top."

Up Next: 
The Rams will take on cross-town rival Columbia College (S.C.) on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 5:30 PM.