GAINESVILLE, GA — CIU women's basketball hit the road on Tuesday, Jan. 17, following a loss to Bryan College (Tenn.) on Saturday. Head coach Danielle Fleming has said that winning on the road has to be the focus for her squad this month, and the Rams were able to pick up their first win on the road of the 2022-2023 as they knocked off Brenau (Ga.). After taking down the Golden Tigers 68-57, CIU improved to 8-10 on the season and 7-7 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play.
The Rams struck first in the game's first minute with a layup from Hannah Wilkerson. Brenau took the lead, however at the 6:40 minute mark and held onto it, until Wilkerson tied the contest up 14-14 in the final moments of the first quarter. CIU's offense came alive in the second, and they were able to take control of the game leading 34-28 at the half. The third period looked much like the first, but CIU was able to maintain its lead by seven points after three. Brenau made a small push in the final ten minutes of the contest, but they could not hold off the Rams. CIU was 7-of-17 (41.2%) from the field in this period and scored 20 fourth quarter points.
Zhani Thompson continues her successful sophomore season as she collects her eighth double-double of the year, with 16 points and ten rebounds.
Tearra Cook secures her fifth double-double of the season after scoring ten points and grabbing ten boards. Wilkerson finds herself with another double-digit night with 13 points, keeping her scoring average at 13.4.
Jaylyn Twitty also had another successful evening with ten points and three rebounds. Off the bench,
Queeneka Howard scored nine points.
As a team, CIU went 24-of-68 (35.3%) from the field and 7-of-15 (46.7%) from behind the arc. The Rams were strong on the defensive end they forced 12 turnovers and collected three steals. CIU outrebounded Brenau 39-34.
What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: "What a great win on the road! Shots came at the right time, and we were able to hold Brenua off defensively. Great team win!"
Up Next: CIU travels to Montreat, N.C., on Saturday, Jan. 21, to face off against Montreat College at 2 PM.
