GRAYSON, Ky. – After an exciting win on Tuesday, the CIU women's basketball team hit the road to continue in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play. The Rams tipped off against Kentucky Christian on Thursday evening, a team that CIU defeated in early December of 2022. The outcome tonight was different, however, as the Rams trailed most of the game and fell 70-65. CIU is now 7-9 on the season and 6-6 in the conference.
Tearra Cook started things off for the Rams with a layup in the first few seconds of the game. Their lead grew thanks to a jump shot and free throw from Jaylyn Twitty later in the quarter. CIU's offense slowed late in the period and they trailed 19-15 after the first. The Rams did not find the bottom of the net until almost three minutes into the second. Both teams traded baskets, but CIU's defense could not hold off KCU and ended the half down 37-28.
After halftime, the Rams seemed to settle into a groove as they outscored the Knights 22-14 in the third. Hannah Wilkerson stepped up this quarter and contributed eight of those points, shooting 50% from the field. CIU entered the fourth down just 51-50, but were unable to push past KCU in the final minutes of the game.
Despite the loss, Wilkerson shined offensively for the Rams as she continues to lead her team in the scoring column. The freshman poured in a season high of 25 points, shooting 8-of-18 (44%) from the field and 8-of-9 (88%) from the free throw line. Wilkerson also collected one steal and grabbed five rebounds. Freshman guard, Jaylyn Twitty is beginning to settle into her role with 11 points on the night and a season-high of four steals.
Yet again, Tearra Cook collected a double-double with ten points and 11 rebounds. Queeneka Howard played an important role on the glass for the Rams tonight with a season-high of 13 rebounds. Mariah Leinbach also found success off the bench, scoring nine points.
Despite several Rams finding success tonight, as a team, The Rams' field goal percentage was below their season average going 21-of-70 (30%) from the field. However, they outrebounded the Knights 48-44 and allowed three fewer turnovers.
What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: "We have to figure out how to win on the road. Our inside game was really good between Wilkerson and Cook, but we couldn't get it going outside! Moving forward, we have to figure out how to put four quarters together on the road!"
Up Next: CIU won't take the court again for over a week until they travel to Dayton, Tenn. to take on Bryan College on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2:00 PM.
