KINGSPORT - CIU women's basketball fell in a heartbreaker to open play at NAIA "The Show" on Friday as they were upended in overtime by West Virginia Institute of Technology. The showcase, which is taking place at the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center, hosts a variety of men's and women's basketball programs from around the NAIA. The loss gives CIU an overall record of 3-4, and are now 0-1 all-time versus the Bears.
CIU led by as much as 28-14 on a Daja Taylor layup in the waning moments of the first quarter; however by the break, CIU only held a three-point, 37-34 advantage.
The third quarter saw a flurry of lead changes as the Rams saw their lead dwindle and then disappear as they headed into the final period trailing 53-50. Despite trailing by as much as seven in the fourth the Rams hung around and then tied the game on a Zhani Thompson layup at 64-64 with a minute remaining. The score was deadlocked at 64 apiece at the end of regulation as the game headed into overtime.
There was little scoring from either team in the overtime period, but CIU fell behind 74-72 with 17 seconds remaining. The Rams had several opportunities in the final seconds, including a pair of free throws; however, CIU could not come up with two points and fell short in overtime.
The Rams had four players in double-digit scoring, with Shy'An Cokley and Thompson leading the way, each scoring 12 with Cokley connecting on four 3-pointers. Thompson would collect a double-double with ten rebounds. Madison Hatcher chipped in with 11 points while Somarian Webb added. CIU forced 18 turnovers against the Bears but coughed it up 25 times themselves.
What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: "Another very close game, down to the wire. Proud of the fight, so many players stepped up including Cokley going 4-6 from 3! We're going to get to a point where these lessons are going to benefit us! Until then, we'll stay locked in."
Up Next: The Rams will continue play at Kingsport taking on Rochester (Mich.) at 9:30 PM. on Saturday, Nov. 26
