WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Danielle Fleming's first season as the head coach of the CIU women's basketball program started and ended with a win over Carolina University. CIU picked up their first win at the NCCAA National Championship as they knocked the Bruins to win the 7th place game on Friday. CIU wins its 16th game of the season, the most in women's basketball history, with the 74-61 defeat of Carolina. The Rams finish the season with the most significant season turnaround in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) and NCCAA.
How It Happened: CIU took a 14-6 advantage in the first quarter after a Tiona Walls score. CIU ended the quarter on a Jay Mayzck 3-pointer, leading 20-11. Carolina stormed back to bring the score to 26-25 midway through the quarter, but Jordin McQueen hit a 3-pointer late and CIU took a 36-28 advantage into halftime.
The Rams lead grew to 46-32 after a Zion Neat layup in the third quarter. Carolina trimmed the deficit but the Rams still carried an 8-point cushion into the final period as they led 53-45. CIU led by as much as 20-points in the fourth quarter going up on the Bruins 67-47 after a Madison Ferrara 3-pointer. CIU would take their foot off the gas in the waning minutes but still notched the 74-61 win.
Game Notes:
- Zion Neat returned to her usual form scoring 19 points and pulling down six rebounds.
- Hannah Trawick had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds while going 7-12 from the field.
- Madison Ferrara was instrumental off the bench scoring 15 points and hitting four 3-pointers.
- CIU forced 26 Carolina turnovers.
What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:
"Not too many people can say they ended the season on win, but we can. This was a great opportunity for us to see how great NCCAA Division 1 basketball is, and it will prepare us for next season. We were blessed to play 33 games this year and I look forward to growing our program next year "
