COLUMBIA, S.C. – The CIU women's basketball team eclipsed several milestones on Tuesday night as they defeated NCAA DII Erskine College (1-15) in the NCCAA South Region semifinal 68-65. The win gave Coach Danielle Fleming her second postseason win of the season and tied the most wins in a season as CIU moved to 14-15 overall. The victory was also the first win by the Rams over a NCAA DII program in CIU women's basketball history.
How It Happened:
First Half: EC 37 CIU 35: The Rams leaped out to a 10-0 lead spurred on by five points by Zion Neat. The Rams led 16-9 after one and would extend the advantage on a Queeneka Howard 3-pointer to 27-18 with 5:07 remaining in the half. The Flying stormed back to take 37-32 advantage but a 3-pointer by Neat at the end of the half brought the score to 37-35 heading into the break.
Second Half: CIU 68 EC 65: A 3-pointer early in the third quarter by Jordin McQueen gave the Rams back the lead 42-41, and a back and forth affair ensued. Erskine regained the advantage, but McQueen knocked down another triple at the end of the third to put CIU ahead 51-50 going into the final period. Neither team could gain a foothold over the other until, with the Rams trailing 66-65 Neat gave CIU the lead hitting a straight-away 3-pointer with 1:00 left. The Rams would get a stop on the other end and pull out the 68-65 win.
Game Notes:
- Zion Neat led the way in her first NCCAA postseason game scoring 24 points and recording 12 rebounds, five steals, and four assists.
- Jordin McQueen hit three 3-pointers on her way to 12 points.
- Hannah Trawick was one point away from a double-double with nine points and 10 boards.
- Queeneka Howard stepped up off the bench scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds.
- CIU has now won an NCCAA South Region Tournament game and AAC Tournament game in the same season. The Rams never accomplished either feat until the 2020-2021 season.
Hear from Head Coach Danielle Fleming:
Up Next:
CIU has a chance at a trip to the NCCAA National Tournament as they travel to Carolina University for the NCCAA South Region Championship on Thursday at 5 PM.