COLUMBIA, S.C. - Coming off a much-needed conference win against Columbia (S.C.) just 24-hours ago, CIU women's basketball (10-13, 8-10 AAC) added another win against Johnson University (Tenn.). The Rams played a dominating second quarter which helped them run away with the game en route to an 85-47 win of the Royals. 

Zion Neat set the tone for the Rams offensively with two straight three-pointers in the opening minutes. The Royals and Rams would trade baskets until a Neat transition layup with 1:06 remaining in the first quarter to give CIU a three-point advantage (20-17).
Neat was responsible for 10 of the Ram's 20 points in the first period.

CIU picked up the intensity defensively in the second quarter, holding the Royals to only eight points on 3-of-11 shooting while also forcing seven turnovers. The Rams would also get balanced scoring in the period with four players totaling at least five points. As a result, the Rams would take a 46-23 lead into the break. 

Coach Danielle Fleming's bunch would pick up where they left off with another impressive defensive quarter in the third. The Rams held the Royals to another inefficient quarter as they went 4-of-18 for nine points while turning the ball over six times. The Rams capitalizeed on Johnson's mistakes with 22 points in the quarter, shooting a healthy 8-of-19  (42.1%) from the floor and 4-of-9 from behind the arc. Madison Hatcher would start to get hot from behind the arc, going a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point territory in the third period. CIU wrapped up an overall quality performance taking care of Johnson (Tenn.) 85-47. 

Freshman guard Madison Hatcher had a great shooting night as she scored a career-high 23 points, including six three's to go along with five rebounds.

Zion Neat came up big for the Rams with 18 points and seven rebounds. In addition, several players from the Rams came off the bench and provided sparks.

Keniah Watkins reached double figures for the third straight game with ten points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Jordin McQueen and Mariah Leinbach each tallied nine points on the night, with Leinbach just missing a double-double as she also snagged ten boards.

Hear from Madison Hatcher and Coach Fleming Postgame: 

Up Next: 
CIU will play the last of their three-game homestand against Tennessee Wesleyan on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 PM.