WALESKA, Ga. - With every game critical in the seeding for the upcoming Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament, the CIU women's basketball team hit the road for a conference matchup with Reinhardt University (Ga.) on Saturday. Coming off a tough loss at home on Thursday, the Rams (9-12, 7-9 AAC) were hoping to get back in the win column but were unable to find a victory as they succumbed to the Eagles (10-12, 9-8 AAC) by a score of 85-70. 

CIU led by one (14-13) after a five-point first quarter from Zion Neat but began to lag behind after a 10-0 run by the Eagles in the second quarter. The Rams trailed 38-27 at the half, and despite a seven-point third quarter from Keniah Watkins, allowed Reinhardt to grow their lead after the break. CIU was able to trim the Eagle's advantage under twenty points before the final buzzer but were ultimately upended by the home team.

In the absence of veteran Teneea Heston senior guard Queeneka Howard stepped up for CIU, scoring 13 points going 5-of-11 from the field. 

Madison Hatcher and Zion Neat each reached double-figures as Hatcher scored 11, and Neat finished with ten. 

Keniah Watkins was efficient off the bench for the Rams scoring 12 points and grabbing six rebounds while going a perfect 3-of-3 from the foul line. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:

"Can't be mad at our effort, we missed some defensive assignments early, and they got up on us. We can't make excuses and need to have a next man up mentality. Looking forward to Monday to turn things around." 

Up Next:

The Rams will return home for a conference game with crosstown-rival Columbia College (S.C.) on Monday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 PM.