COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's basketball took the court at the Moore Fitness Center for the last time in regular season play for the 2022-2023 season. They tipped off against Point University for the second time this season, who they fell to in December, but a solid fourth quarter from the Rams pushed CIU past the Skyhawks 66-55 tonight.  

Both teams came out firing on all cylinders as the lead changed hands a few times in the first ten minutes, but Point led 17-15 after the first. The Skyhawks held onto this lead throughout the second quarter and led by as much as nine three different times in the period. 

CIU tied the game in the third quarter at the 4:55 minute mark, thanks to a three-pointer from Jaylyn Twitty. After that, the lead went back and forth until a free throw from Twitty put the Rams up by one (49-48) at the end of the third. CIU outscored Point 17-7 to extend their lead in the game's final ten minutes to secure the win. 

Zhani Thompson led the way for the Rams tonight with her tenth double-double after dropping 16 points and collecting 13 boards. Thompson also added five blocks to give her 67 on the season. Hannah Wilkerson and Queeneka Howard were both in double-digits tonight, with 15 and 12 points, respectively. Twitty was also impressive on the glass with seven rebounds. 

CIU finishes the regular season with a 15-13 overall record and program best 14-10 record in conference play.

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: "What a way to win! Our players played extremely hard. I'm so proud of our fight, defense, and teamwork! Time to go make a run in the tournament."

Up Next: CIU will awaits their postseason fate as the AAC Women's Basketball Tournament Bracket will be released in the coming hours.