GAINESVILLE, Ga. - CIU women's basketball fell to Brenau University on the road after a 19-point deficit in the first that the Rams couldn't overcome despite three close periods.  The Rams fell 73-44 to move to 3-11 overall and 2-9 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play. 

Brenau started the game on a 8-0 run before Mariah Leinbach got the Rams on the board. The Golden Tigers continued to pull away and led 27-8 after the first. CIU chipped away at this lead, coming as close as 11 points off a Daja Taylor three, but it was not enough, and they trailed 39-19 at halftime. 

The third period was more evenly matched as Brenau only led the quarter 18-16, with seven from Keniah Watkins for the Rams. Trailing by 22 at the start of the fourth, CIU only added nine more points before the final buzzer. 

Watkins led the team with 12 points while also grabbing four rebounds. Taylor added ten points and padded the stat sheet with six rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. Leinbach recorded her third double-double of the season with ten points and boards. Jessica North continues to anchor the Rams' inside  battling on the glass with seven rebounds. 

Up Next: The Rams are back on the road on Saturday, Jan. 13, to take on Montreat College (N.C.) at 2:00 p.m.