COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU women's basketball fell 68–51 to Columbia College on Wednesday evening in Appalachian Athletic Conference play in the Rams' final road game of the regular season.

The Rams led early after baskets from Katie Johnson and Jerchel Geathers-Washington helped CIU build a 6–3 advantage midway through the first quarter, but Columbia answered with a late three-point play in the final seconds to take an 11–10 lead after one.

Columbia created separation in the second quarter, using a 9–0 run fueled by perimeter shooting to stretch the margin to double digits. CIU responded with a late push behind a Lily Dunn three and a Katlynn Chinn layup to trim the deficit to 28–21 at halftime.

The hosts extended their lead in the third quarter, opening the half with a quick 4–0 burst and later pushing the advantage to 17 following a technical free throw and transition basket. Columbia maintained control the rest of the way, leading by as many as 20 in the fourth quarter.

Johnson and Geathers-Washington paced CIU with 13 points each, while Geathers-Washington added seven rebounds. Chinn finished with seven points and six boards, and Dunn also scored seven points off the bench as CIU shot 36.5 percent from the field and totaled 34 rebounds.

The Rams return to action Saturday, Feb. 21, hosting Milligan University at 2:00 p.m. ET in their regular-season finale. Senior recognition will take place prior to tipoff.