GREENVILLE, S.C. — CIU women's basketball secured its second consecutive victory Tuesday evening, holding off Bob Jones University 63-62 in a closely contested road matchup at Davis Field House.
The Rams (2-3) overcame an early six-point deficit and built an 18-point advantage in the second half before holding off a late Bob Jones rally to secure the one-point victory.
CIU trailed 15-12 after the opening quarter but took control in the second period behind Yannah Seaberry, who connected on a pair of 3-pointers to give the Rams their first lead. CIU held Bob Jones to just five second-quarter points, limiting the Bruins to 1-of-10 shooting from the field to take a 27-20 advantage into halftime.
The Rams extended their lead in the third quarter, connecting on four 3-pointers while shooting 57.1% from the field. Georgia Smith scored eight points in the period, while Seaberry's 3-pointer with 4:19 remaining gave CIU its largest lead of the evening at 45-27.
Bob Jones responded with a 25-point fourth quarter, erasing the Rams' double-digit advantage and taking a 60-58 lead with 1:14 remaining.
With CIU trailing by two in the final minute, Seaberry connected on her fourth 3-pointer of the evening with 49 seconds remaining to put the Rams back in front 61-60. After a defensive stop, Selah George added a layup with 10 seconds left to extend the lead to three. Bob Jones converted two free throws in the closing seconds, but CIU held on for the victory.
Seaberry led the Rams with a game-high 17 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. Katlyn Chinn added 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting while contributing four assists and two steals.
Smith finished with 10 points, including two 3-pointers, while Katie Johnson recorded a game-high 12 rebounds to go along with five assists and four points. Sadie Burnette added six points and six rebounds.
CIU shot 41.7% from the field and connected on 10 3-pointers while limiting Bob Jones to 33.3% shooting. The Rams also received 31 points from their bench.
CIU will return to the Moore Fitness Center on Friday, Nov. 6, when the Rams host Virginia University of Lynchburg as part of the university's homecoming festivities. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
