GAINESVILLE, Ga. - As the 2021-22 regular season winds down, each game becomes more critical for the CIU women's basketball team as they fight for an opening-round home game in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament. On Saturday, the Rams certainly helped themselves with a much-needed road win against Brenau University (GA.). As a result, CIU improves to 13-13 on the season and sits a game above .500 in the AAC at 11-10. CIU has now won four in a row, the longest win streak under Coach Danielle Fleming's tenure. 

The Rams would leap ahead of the Golden Tigers midway through the second quarter as they took a 28-12 lead with 5:28 remaining before the half. Brenau chipped into the advantage as CIU held a 40-29 lead at the break. 

Despite leading by double-digits for most of the second half, CIU would see their lead dwindle down to just 61-57 with 3:53 left in the fourth quarter. However, six points from sophomore Zion Neat down the stretch put the Golden Tigers away as CIU recorded the 71-67 victory.

Queeneka Howard continues to be a driving force for CIU as the senior scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. 

The Rams had another player score 14 points in the form of Madison Hatcher, who tallied three 3-pointers.

Zion Neat reached double figures scoring 13 points, while Teenea Heston went an unblemished 6-of-6 from the foul line for 12 points in just 18 minutes. 

What Head Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:

"Gritty win by our team. It wasn't the prettiest basketball, but our players stepped up when we needed it. 4-0 this week.... I'll take that any day, but now we turn our attention to Union on Monday. Go Rams!" 

Up Next: 

The Rams will play a makeup game on Monday, Feb. 14, against Union College in Tennessee at 5:30 PM.