WALESKA - CIU women's basketball tested undefeated No. 23 Reinhardt (Ga.) early in Tuesday's midweek Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) battle but ultimately succumbed 69-46. The Eagles (22-0, 18-0) sit atop the AAC standings as the only unblemished team in the conference. Meanwhile, the Rams slide to 3-16 in the AAC and 4-17 overall with the loss. 

The Rams held the Eagles' high-octane offense in check for much of the first quarter as Keniah Watkins scored six of the Rams' eight first-quarter points. Facing a 14-8 deficit after one, CIU got as close as two points (21-19) on a Mariah Leinbach jump shot with 3:20 left in half. However, the Eagles managed to grow the advantage to 32-23 at the break. 

The Rams would keep the deficit within single digits for much of the third quarter and trailed just 47-37 heading into the fourth, thanks to a triple from Daja Taylor at the end of the third period. Lack of scoring plagued CIU in the final quarter, however, as the Rams went scoreless for the period's first six minutes. This scoring drought proved insurmountable as the Rams were outscored 22-9 in the game's final ten minutes. 

Watkins led the Rams with 12 points while handing out five assists, as Leinbach tallied 11 points and seven rebounds. Tayor made an impact for CIU as well, with seven points and six boards.

The Rams played solid perimeter defense, holding the Eagles to just 9-of-32 beyond the arc. Notably, CIU held Reinhardt 13 points below their season average of 82 ppg. 

Up Next: The Rams face a talented Milligan (Tenn.) squad as they return home on Feb. 10 at 2:00 p.m. EST.