Columbia International University Athletics

AUGUSTA, GA. - After a week break from action, CIU women's basketball (16-16) took on Paine College (9-9) in the NCCAA South-Region Championship Game on Saturday afternoon. The contest between the two programs marked the first-ever matchup between the school, which are less than 100 miles apart. CIU dominated the Lions from the first tip and cruised to a 75-56 win, winning the NCCAA South Region title for the second straight year. 

CIU shot the ball well out the gate going 8-of-19 from the floor in the first quarter to take a 22-14 advantage after the first ten minutes. In the second quarter, the Rams held the Lions to just 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting, despite a below-average mark themselves, to take a 40-25 lead at the break. 

CIU could not get shots to fall in the third quarter which helped Paine cut the deficit to eight points going into the fourth quarter. However, CIU would light up the scoreboard in the final period knocking down 10-of-18 (55.6%) shots from the field to take down the Lions convincingly 75-56. 

Zhani Thompson continues to play well in post-season play as she recorded a career-high 23 points and neared a double-double, coming up a rebound shy with nine. 

Madison Hatcher had another impressive shooting night with 16 points, going 6-of-10 from the floor and 4-of-8 from downtown. 

Zion Neat also finished with 16 points while securing eight rebounds. Queenaka Howard had another productive outing with 5 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: 
"Very proud of the players and how they fought through adversity at times. Very proud of the seniors who will finish as two-time Region champions. I thought our freshmen Zhani and Hatcher had a big game for us, which is exciting to build on. Zion did a great job at making shots at key moments, which helped us get the victory. Great team win!" 

Up Next: 
The Rams will travel to Winona Lake, Indiana, for the NCCAA National Tournament from Mar. 16-19.