COLUMBIA, S.C - CIU women's basketball has had their fair share of excitement already this season but took part in another close affair Friday afternoon. CIU (4-6) took on Carolina (N.C) in a rematch of last year's NCCAA South Region Championship game. Carolina (3-7) led for the majority of the contest, but CIU ultimately upended the Bruins 76-75 on a late layup from sophomore Zion Neat. 

The Rams initially lost the lead at the 5:12 mark in the first quarter and would not regain it again until the 6:55 mark of the fourth quarter. The last several minutes of the game featured wild back-and-forth action with several turnovers and missed opportunities by both teams. Turnovers ultimately decided the game as the Bruins turned it over twice in the last 25 seconds, which gave Zion Neat the opportunity for the go-ahead layup with two seconds remaining. CIU was fortunate to escape unscathed as they gave up 17 offensive rebounds while both teams had 18 turnovers.

Neat has been exceptional of late and turned in another impressive outing as she scored 27 points and snagged six rebounds. Transfer guard Teneea Heston bullied the Bruins' guards inside on her way to 22 points which also included two clutch triples. Elsewhere for the Rams, Hannah Trawick battled on the glass with seven rebounds, and freshman Madison Hatcher contributed offensively with two 3-pointers. The Rams shot a favorable 40% from the field and a respectable 30% from 3-point range. 

Hear from Zion Neat and Head Coach Danielle Fleming postgame:

Up Next: 
On Tuesday, Dec. 14, the Rams will begin a two-game Florida road trip as they head to NCAA DII Edward Waters (Fla.) to take on the Tigers in a 6 p.m. exhibition contest.