COLUMBIA, S.C. -- CIU women's basketball took the court in the Moore Fitness Center for the first time in over three weeks to tip off against Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) foe Tennessee Wesleyan University. When the Rams took on the Bulldogs earlier this season, they lost in the last few minutes of the contest. Tonight, CIU held onto their lead throughout all four periods to knock off TWU 76-69. The Rams are now 10-11 on the season and 9-8 in conference play. 

Hannah Wilkerson quickly put the Rams up 5-0 in the first minute of the game. TWU tied the game up (9-9) at the 5:32 minute mark, but this was the closest the Bulldogs would come to taking the lead in the first half. CIU scored 12 more points to lead 21-14 at the end of the first. The Rams' defense came out strong in the second and held TWU scoreless for the first five minutes of the period. CIU would lead by 15 at the 3:54 minute mark and were up at the half 38-27. 

TWU came alive during the second half, outscoring the Rams 20-16 in the third. The Bulldogs cut the lead down to two (49-47) at the 1:42 minute mark on a free throw, but CIU responded and added five to lead by seven going into the final ten minutes. Both teams put up 22 points in the fourth, but CIU's early lead was enough of a cushion to help them hold on to the advantage. The Rams were only up by two at the 4:51 minute mark, and it seemed possible for the Bulldogs to take control of the game. However, CIU was able to add 15 points in the last five minutes to secure the win. 

Wilkerson continues to lead the Rams offensively, collecting 24 points on the afternoon. Fellow freshman Jaylyn Twitty earned a season-high of 21 points, shooting 7-of-13 (53.8%) from the field, and Tearra Cook collected her sixth double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds. The fourth Ram in double figures, Zhani Thompson, added ten points of her own. Thompson also collected five blocks tonight, giving her 43 on the season--two shy of the program record for a single season. 

As a team, CIU was 27-of-63 (42.9%) from the field. The Rams grabbed 42 rebounds and forced 12 turnovers. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:  "What a big win today! I'm so proud of how we played, especially early! Big games from our freshmen Wilkerson and Jaylyn, but a total team effort, and glad we protected our home floor." 

Up Next: CIU takes a trip to Cleveland, Ga., on Tuesday, Jan. 31, to face off against Truett McConnell University at 5:30 PM.