Koalas Sweep Regular Season Over CIU With 63-55 Victory

COLUMBIA, SC- Coming off a thrilling comeback victory on Wednesday night, Women's basketball used a massive third quarter to hold off CIU, 63-55.

The win gives the Koalas the season sweep over the Rams after winning the first meeting on November 16, 78-74. Columbia now stands at 12-15 overall, the most wins in a regular season, and 9-12 in conference play; the Koalas now hold the eighth spot in the conference rankings with one more regular season contest to play.

Columbia trailed the Rams 31-29 at the break, but a massive third quarter propelled the Koalas into the driver's seat. Using an up-and-down pace, Columbia outscored CIU 26-7 in the third quarter, where Anaya Muhammad scored 11 of her team-high 16 points.

Despite the resurgence, CIU collected themselves and used a massive quarter of their own to make the Koalas sweat. Columbia scored just eight points in the final frame while the Rams posted 17; the third-quarter offensive explosion was enough for the Koalas to hold on for the road win.

Callie Hermanson joined Muhammad in double-figure scoring; despite no other Koalas reaching that mark, seven of the nine players who saw action scored over five points.

The Koalas will wrap up the regular season next Saturday when they travel to Truett-McConnell for a 5:30 PM start time.