WINONA LAKE, Ind. – The CIU women's team played their first game in their first trip to NCCAA National Women's Basketball Championship on Wednesday as entered the tournament as the 7th overall seed. CIU (15-15) took on the 2nd seeded Northwestern-St. Paul (UNW) in an early afternoon contest. UNW (15-5) is an NCAA Division III program with a successful 2020-2021 season. Unfortunately, the first-round game will likely be one the Rams will hope to soon forget as CIU fell to the Eagles 65-30.
How It Happened:
The Eagles length and height proved difficult for the Rams as CIU struggled shooting the ball in the first quarter. The Ram's only points came from the free-throw line as they trailed 14-3 after one. CIU was able to get some scoring in the second quarter as they managed nine points, with four coming from Jordin McQueen.
The Rams trailed 31-12 heading into the second half and would score 18 points over the course of the final two periods. Both Zion Neat and Britney Brown had 3-point field goals in the second half, but the Rams fell 65-30.
Game Notes:
- Despite having no player in double-figure scoring, CIU did have two players in double-figure rebounding as Zion Neat had 10 boards and Hannah Trawick had 13.
- Neat led the Rams scoring with seven points while Jordin McQueen added six.
- A few bright spots came for the Rams on the defensive end as they forced 23 UNW turnovers and held the Eagles seven points under their team scoring average.
What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:
"Not the outcome we wanted. Defensively we held them to 65 points which is not bad. Unfortunately, our shots would not fall for us. When building a program, you're going to take some hits, and this afternoon was a hit. Thankfully we still have goals to accomplish in our two other games.
Up Next:
CIU will now enter the consolation bracket and will take on the loser of #3 Concordia University Ann Arbor vs. #6 Grace College at 10:15 AM on Thursday.
