COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU women's basketball fell 63–53 to Spartanburg Methodist on Wednesday evening in an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup at the Moore Fitness Center. The loss moves the Rams to 4–8 overall and 2–4 in conference play, while the Pioneers improve to 5–6 and 1–5 in the AAC.

Spartanburg Methodist controlled the first quarter 15–11 and carried a 25–21 advantage into halftime. CIU found momentum in the third period, shooting 53 percent from the field and cutting the deficit to 47–40 entering the fourth. However, SMC responded out of the break with timely perimeter shooting and a series of transition baskets to restore a multi-possession lead. CIU was held to 5-of-21 shooting in the fourth quarter while Spartanburg Methodist sealed the game at the free-throw line.

Katie Johnson led CIU with 13 points and six rebounds, knocking down two three-pointers and finishing 3-of-4 at the line. Audrey Teasley added eight points and seven rebounds while contributing a team-high two steals. Magdalena Mihaljevic provided a spark off the bench with nine points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting, and Selah George added six points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Bryanna Belton and Sian Banks also chipped in four points each, with Banks adding three assists and three steals. CIU won the rebounding battle 41–35 but was hurt by 23 turnovers and a 28.1 percent shooting clip from the field.

CIU returns to AAC action on Saturday, Dec. 13, traveling to face Reinhardt University at 2:00 p.m. ET.