COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's basketball hosted the Truett McConnell (Ga.) at the Moore Fitness Center Thursday night as the two programs faced off for the first time this season. CIU entered the contest 9-11 on the season, with a 7-8 mark in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Meanwhile, the Bears entered the game riding a three-game conference win streak sitting at 14-10 overall and 10-8 in the AAC. The Rams mounted an 11 point fourth-quarter comeback to tie the game with just over two minutes remaining but could not hit shots late to take down TMU. As a result, the Rams came up short at home 67-62.
CIU did not get off to a great start shooting the ball in the first quarter. The Rams total only ten points through the game's first ten minutes, going 4-of-17 during that period. CIU would continue their offensive wows in the second quarter but managed to force six turnovers to keep themselves in it. As a result, the Rams would trail by just two points at the break.
TMU went on a 10-3 run in the first five minutes of the third quarter to stretch their lead to 11 points. However, the Rams would get two key baskets from
Jordin McQueen and
Queeneka Howard to close the gap to seven points entering the fourth quarter. After two quick scores to open the fourth, the Rams would go on an 18-9 run to tie the game with 2:13 to go, capped off by a three-point basket by
Madison Hatcher on an assist from
Teneea Heston. Unfortunately, the Rams would go on a 1-11 slump to close out the game and, as a result added a loss to their conference record.
Queeneka Howard led the Rams in scoring with 12 points to go along with four steals and five rebounds. Joining her in double-figures was freshman guard
Madison Hatcher who recorded 11 points and four boards. As a team, the Rams were able to force 21 turnovers and only coughed the ball up 11 times.
Hear Coach Danielle Fleming Postgame:
Up Next:
The Rams will travel to Waleska, Ga. this coming Saturday, Feb. 5. for a game against Reinhardt University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 PM.
