WILMINGTON, N.C. — CIU women's basketball returned to action following the holiday break on Monday evening, falling 76–37 to NCAA Division I opponent UNCW in an exhibition matchup at Trask Coliseum.

UNCW built an early advantage, leading 22–11 after the opening quarter and extending the margin to 41–18 by halftime behind efficient shooting and transition scoring. The Seahawks maintained control throughout the second half, while CIU continued to compete defensively and rotate lineups in the non-countable contest.

Magdalena Mihaljevic led the Rams with nine points, knocking down three three-pointers and adding three assists. Bryanna Belton followed with eight points and five rebounds, while Selah George, Katie Johnson and Jerchel Geathers-Washington each scored four points. Geathers-Washington also pulled down two rebounds and converted both of her free-throw attempts.

CIU finished the night forcing 21 UNCW turnovers and scoring 24 bench points. The Rams collected 28 rebounds and held the Seahawks to just 31.6 percent shooting in the third quarter.

CIU returns to regular-season AAC play on Saturday, Jan. 3, traveling to face Johnson University (Tenn.) in Knoxville at 2:00 p.m. ET.