COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's basketball hosted NCCAA opponent Clinton College (S.C.) on Thursday night to wrap up the 2024 portion of their schedule. Despite a strong effort, the Rams fell 71-52 in their final home game of the calendar year.

Game Recap: CIU took the lead off a three-pointer from Madison Hatcher, but the Golden Bears quickly tied it at 9-9 (3:30) and then recovered the advantage, leaving the Rams trailing 16-13 at the end of the first quarter. Jercel Geathers-Washington came off the bench to score six points in the second period, but CIU entered halftime down by 13 (30-23).

Clinton extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Rams 22-13. Irene Were led CIU with six points in the frame, and the Rams managed to close the gap to within four twice, but Clinton surged ahead to a 52-36 advantage heading into the fourth. Hatcher added nine points in the final quarter as part of a comeback attempt, but the deficit proved too large, and CIU fell 71-52.

Hatcher paced the Rams with 17 points and three steals, while Were added 12 points. Zhani Thompson anchored the defense with nine rebounds and two blocks, also chipping in nine points.

Up Next: The Rams will be back in action in 2025 on Saturday, Jan. 4, taking on Union Commonwealth (Ky.) at 2 p.m. EST.