ATHENS, TENN. - CIU women's basketball headed to the Volunteer State to take on Tennessee Wesleyan University for Monday night Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) basketball. The Rams battled hard but fell 74-51 to the Bulldogs.
Game Recap: Katlynn Chinn opened the scoring for CIU with a layup, but Tennessee Wesleyan quickly responded with free throws to tie the game. The Bulldogs began to build a lead, but the Rams stayed within striking distance, trailing 18-12 at the end of the first quarter. Tonaja Lester gave CIU a brief edge with a three-pointer midway through the second quarter (25-24, 5:33), but TWU regained control to lead 34-29 at halftime.
The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third quarter, limiting the Rams to 11 points. A similar pattern emerged in the final frame, with Irene Were contributing seven of CIU's 11 points. Despite their competitive first half, the Rams couldn't close the gap and fell 74-51.
Were led CIU with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Bethany Rymer added 10 points. Jerchel Geathers-Washington bolstered the defense with seven rebounds, and the team recorded one of their best shooting performances of the season, hitting 36.4% from the field.
Up Next: CIU is back on their home court on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 p.m. EST, against Brenau University (Ga.).
