KNOXVILLE, TENN. - CIU women's basketball faced Johnson University (Tenn.) in a Saturday Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup. The Rams battled back in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to six points multiple times, but their comeback effort fell short in a 73-66 road loss.

Game Recap: CIU struggled offensively in the opening quarter, managing just eight points, with Tonaja Lester contributing five. The Rams found their rhythm in the second, and a jumper from Irene Were brought them within eight, though they entered halftime trailing 38-30. Were and Madison Hatcher combined for 15 points in the period, as CIU added 22.

Hatcher's three-pointer in the third quarter cut the deficit to five, the closest margin of the game. However, Johnson responded with a strong run, extending their lead to 19 before the final frame. CIU dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Royals 26-14, but the late surge wasn't enough as the Rams fell 73-66.

Hatcher led the squad with 22 points, while Were contributed across the board with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Mariah Leinbach added eight boards, and the team set a season-high with 27 field goals and 15 assists. 

Up Next: CIU welcomes Reinhardt University (Ga.) to the Moore Fitness Center on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. EST.