COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU welcomed Kentucky Christian University to town for their first home game in over a month due to winter break. The Rams entered the contest 6-8 on the season with a 4-5 record in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Meanwhile, the Knights of Kentucky Christian came into Thursday's game 8-6 with a 5-4 record in the conference. CIU looked to bounce back after a loss in their last game against No. 20 Bryan this past Saturday but could not topple the Knights at the Moore Fitness Center and would fall 93-88.
It was a neck and neck battle between the Rams and Knights in the first quarter as both teams shot the ball well. After the first period, the Knights would hold a two-point advantage (22-20). However, KCU began to create some separation in the second quarter. The Rams struggled to put the ball in the basket in the period shooting 2-of-16 from the floor and 0-of-7 from behind the arc. However, the Rams defensively held the Knights to their lowest scoring quarter of the game, only allowing 18 points which helped the Rams keep pace with KCU going into the second half.
The Rams' offense would catch fire in the third quarter, collectively scoring 32 points.
Zion Neat would play all ten minutes and score nine points to bring the Rams within three (65-62) at the end of the third. In a hard-fought fourth quarter, CIU would battle back to take a one-point lead with 4:11 remaining in the game, 75-74. However, CIU could not hit much-needed shots down the stretch as the Knights would hold on to a five-point win, 93-88.
Despite the loss, several Rams reached double-figures in the scoring column. Most notably, freshman guard
Madison Hatcher set the single-game record for most made three-point baskets in a game as she finished with 21 points going 7-of-15 from beyond the arc. In addition,
Zion Neat and
Teneea Heston contributed 16 points, while
Jordin McQueen would added in 11 points and eight rebound off the bench.
What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:
"Had a tough second quarter. Really liked the energy in fighting back but ran out of gas at the end, shots didn't fall, and it got the best of us. Looking forward to bouncing back against Point."
Up Next:
The Rams will be back at the Moore Fitness Center for their next game against Point University (Ga.) on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 PM.
