COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU women's basketball closed out its pre-Thanksgiving schedule on Tuesday evening with an 86–67 loss to Columbia College inside the Moore Fitness Center. The defeat drops the Rams to 3–6 overall and 2–2 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.

CIU fell behind 20–15 after the first quarter but responded with a strong second period, outscoring Columbia 19–13 to pull within 33–34 at halftime. However, the Fighting Koalas regained control in the third quarter with a 21–12 advantage and pulled away in the fourth, shooting 55 percent over the final 10 minutes.

Selah George and Katie Johnson each scored 14 points to lead CIU, with George adding eight rebounds and Johnson collecting seven boards. Katlynn Chinn totaled 12 points and two assists, while Jerchel Geathers-Washington contributed 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting along with six rebounds. Sadie Burnette and Bryanna Belton each added four points off the bench.

The Rams shot 33.8 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from beyond the arc while finishing with 25 second-chance points from 17 offensive rebounds. CIU also forced 14 turnovers but struggled to slow Columbia's perimeter scoring, as the visitors connected on 11 three-pointers.

CIU returns to action after the holiday break on Tuesday, Dec. 2, hosting Bob Jones University at 5:30 p.m. ET inside the Moore Fitness Center.