GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Clinging to a possible home playoff berth, the CIU women's basketball team took a loss Thursday as they stumbled against Brenau University (5-8) by a score of 80-71. Despite the defeat CIU still holds the 8th spot in the conference standings, which means if the season ended today, the Rams would host a first-round conference tournament game. The Rams have not beaten Brenau since January of 2019 but will get another shot at the Golden Tigers in just over a week.

How It Happened:

First Half: BU 37 CIU 23: CIU trailed 15-4 in the first quarter but would end the period on a 7-0 run primarily due to back-to-back layups by Tiona Walls. CIU trailed by as much as 31-12 in quarter number two but were able to cut the lead back down to just 14-points at the break despite going 2-12 in the second quarter.

Second Half: BU 80 CIU 71: Keniah Watkins got to the free-throw line at will in the third quarter scoring 10 points in the period and helping the Rams put up 29-points in the quarter. Unfortunately, CIU only outscored the Golden Tigers by two points and still trailed 64-52 heading into the fourth. Zion Neat and Jordin McQueen combined for 11 points in the final quarter, but it wasn't enough to overcome Brenau though the Rams did get the final deficit in single digits, only falling 80-71.

Game Notes:

• Freshman Zion Neat scored 16 points while going 6-7 from the foul line.
• Jordin McQueen had three rebounds to go along with her 14 points.
• Keniah Watkins was close to a double-double with eight rebounds and 12 points.
• CIU was able to force 18 turnovers while only turning the ball over 13 times themselves.

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:

"We got outplayed in the first half. We made a comeback late but missed small opportunities to push ahead."

Up Next:

CIU will head AAC power Union College as they take on the Bulldogs, Saturday at 2 PM in Kentucky.