ATHENS, TENN. - CIU women's basketball had their second consecutive Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) game on the road Saturday afternoon. The Rams tipped off against Tennessee Wesleyan University, where they fell 64-62 after a late bucket from the Bulldogs. The Rams are now 2-2 on the season and 1-2 in conference play. 

Somarian Webb quickly gave the Rams the 2-0 lead, which sparked a strong offensive quarter for the vistors. CIU held onto this lead and were up 20-15 at the end of the first, with seven points coming from sophomore Zhani Thompson. TWU's offense responded quickly in the second, outscoring CIU 19-13 and putting them up one going into the half.

It was an offensive battle in the third, but despite Madison Hatcher's ten points, the score was tied going into the fourth. Defense was the story in the fourth, resulting in single-digit scores from both sides. Hannah Trawick tied things up, 62-62, with 2:02 remaining, but the Rams were unable to hold off the Bulldogs in the final minutes of the game. 

Hatcher set a new season high in the game with 25-points. She also collected four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Tearra Cook continues to make an impact for CIU, with nine points and eight rebounds. Webb was sharp on defense, grabbing 11 rebounds. Trawick was effective off the bench, scoring eight points. As a unit on offense, CIU shot  25-of-64 (39.1%) and 7-of-23 (30.4%) from deep. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: "Another down to the wire game. Again, it's just the little things–finishing layups, getting to the free throw line, and converting. It came down to one stop, and we came up short. Hot shooting from Hatcher, it will be great if she keeps that up."

Up Next: 

CIU returns to the Moore Fitness Center to host St. Andrews University on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 PM to continue AAC play.