KINGSPORT, TENN. - After taking down Kentucky Christian University in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Women's Basketball Tournament opening round, CIU Rams took the court to tip off against No. 1 overall seed Bryan College (Tenn.) in the AAC Quarterfinals Thursday morning. A win today would be a program-first win over Bryan; however, the Rams fell 76-64, and their AAC Tournament run ended. 

Bryan took the lead 30 seconds into the game and held onto this lead for the remainder of the first period. CIU closed the gap to just one point several times but ultimately trailed by 11 (22-11) after the first ten minutes. However, CIU went on a 10-0 run in the first five minutes of the second until Bryan found the bottom of the net. Despite outscoring the Lions 18-12, CIU still trailed by five going into the half (34-29).

A three-pointer from Hannah Wilkerson at the beginning of the third cut Bryan's lead to just two points, but this was the closest CIU would come to taking the lead for the rest of the contest. Despite shooting 45% from the field in the fourth, the Rams could not overcome the Lions and fell 76-64. 

Hannah Wilkerson continues to be consistent on offense for the Rams, putting up 16 points this morning. In addition, Daja Taylor and Zhani Thompson contributed double-digit points today, with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Tearra Cook collected 11 boards, and the Rams picked up seven steals as a team. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: 
"Our group fought hard. Mistakes on the boards cost us, but we played hard and that's all you can ask for. Looking forward to the NCCAA tournament."

Up Next: 
CIU returns home next week to host the NCCAA South Region Tournament.