WINONA LAKE, IN. - After their upset bid came up short in the opening round of the NCCAA National Tournament Wednesday night, CIU women's basketball took on the No. 3 seed and host team Grace College (Ind.) in a consolation round matchup. Unfortunately, the Rams were unable to battle back after a difficult start and would fall to the Lancers 68-54.
The Lancers got off to an early advantage, claiming a 13-point lead (25-12) at the end of the first quarter. CIU struggled to take care of the basketball in the first two quarters, which halted much of their scoring opportunities during that period. CIU only connected on eight baskets in the first half, and the Lancers capitalized on that to take a 39-22 lead into the break.
The second half proved to be more tightly contested as the Rams played stout defense to keep themselves within a reachable distance. The Rams had a solid fourth quarter, forcing nine turnovers and outscoring the Lancers 20-12; unfortunately, it was not enough as their first-quarter deficit was too much to overcome. As a result, the Rams would come up short, 68-54.
Teneea Heston and
Madison Hatcher led the way for the Rams in their second game in Winona Lake, Indiana. Heston finished the game with 13 points, going 4-of-6 from behind the arc, and adding four rebounds. Hatcher also ended with 13 points and two steals.
Larrisa Lee played well off the bench adding nine points, three steals, and two rebounds.
The Rams had a hard time converting on baskets in the paint. CIU had just 18 points inside compared to the Lancer's 34 points. CIU's slow start plagued the Rams as they were only outscored by one point, 43-42 in the second half, after trailing by 13 after the first quarter.
What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:
"Back to backs are always hard, didn't execute how we wanted today. These are all tough games and learning opportunities for our program. Looking forward to growing as a program from games like this"
Up Next:
The Rams will take on the No. 4 seed University of Northwestern (MN.), in the 7th place game tomorrow, March 18, at 3 PM EST.
