COLUMBIA, S.C-- CIU women's basketball collected their first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) win on Saturday, Nov. 5, with a 73-54 win over Johnson University (Tenn.). The Rams faced the Royals last season, where they saw similar results with an 85-47 win. CIU is now 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in AAC play. 

Queeneka Howard and Madison Hatcher got things going for the Rams, making consecutive three-pointers in the game's first few minutes. After that, CIU stayed in control and kept the lead for the remainder of the contest. The Rams' defense in the first two quarters allowed them to enter the second half up by 19-points, 36-17. Johnson made a slight push in the third and fourth quarters to close the gap, but it wasn't enough to hold off CIU. 

Howard led the way for the Rams, scoring 15-points and collecting eight rebounds. Hatcher scored 13-points in tonight's contest her second double-digit scoring game already this season. Freshman Hannah Wilkerson continued to shine with ten points, going 2-for-3 behind the arc. Hannah Trawick had an impressive night picking up ten rebounds and scoring nine points of her own. Off the bench, Zhani Thompson made an impact for the Rams, scoring 11 points with three 3-pointers. CIU was effective on offense as a unit scoring 20-plus points in both the first and fourth quarters. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: "Very proud and encouraged by the squad today! Very proud of the defensive effort in the second quarter and the offensive rebounds in the first half. This is such a fun group to coach. We have a long season ahead, but I love the passion we play with. Onto the next!" 

Up Next: 

CIU will travel to Milligan, Tenn., to take on Milligan University in their second AAC match of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 5:30 P.M.