COLUMBIA, S.C - CIU women's basketball opened the 2022-2023 season on Saturday versus a rebuilding Thomas University (Ga.) squad. Despite a plethora of new players, the Rams looked confident and experienced as they picked up a double-digit 68-55 win over the Night Hawks. The win is the second time Head Coach Danielle Fleming has won her season opener, with her last season's opening win coming back in 2020.  

CIU trailed the Night Hawks at the end of the first quarter 14-13, but the Rams opened the second period on a 20-0 run to go up 33-14. The push was in large part due to Hannah Wilkerson, who scored ten points during the second quarter as the Rams led 36-21 at the break. The Rams would hold a double-digit advantage throughout the second half, with their largest lead coming at 45-25 with 6:07 left in the third quarter. The Night Hawks made a small push as Fleming cleared her bench in the waning moments of regulations but CIU still held on for the 68-55 win. 

One of the highlights of the box score came from transfer Tearra Cook who pulled down 17 rebounds just three boards shy of the program's single-game record. Thanks to her strong first half Wilkerson led the Rams in scoring with 18 points going 7-of-16 from the field. Sophomore Madison Hatcher was efficient for CIU, shooting 50% from the field, knocking down three triples on her way to 14 points. Graduate student Queeneka Howard was the third player in double-digits with 11, as she also made an impact on defense with four blocks. While not lights out from the field, the Rams did show improved outside shooting, hitting eight 3-pointers as a team.

Hear from Coach Danielle Fleming postgame:  


Up Next: The Rams will open Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play at home on Saturday, Oct. 29, taking on Johnson (Tenn.) at 2 PM.