MONTREAT, N.C. — CIU women's basketball came up short on the road Wednesday evening, falling 76–62 to Montreat College in Appalachian Athletic Conference action at McAlister Gymnasium.

The Rams trailed by just one point after the opening quarter, but Montreat used a decisive second quarter to create separation, outscoring CIU 24–10 before halftime. The Cavaliers continued to build their advantage in the third period, extending the lead to as many as 24 points before CIU mounted a push in the fourth.

CIU showed resilience down the stretch, scoring 26 points in the final quarter while shooting 50 percent from the field. Katie Johnson led the Rams with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding five steals and three assists. Jerchel Geathers-Washington followed with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Bryanna Belton provided a spark off the bench with 14 points and four steals.

The Rams finished with 34 points in the paint and forced 21 turnovers, but Montreat capitalized on its second- and third-quarter runs to hold off the late comeback attempt.

CIU returns home on Saturday, Jan. 17, hosting Tennessee Wesleyan at 2:00  p.m. ET.