Panthers win tough home game against Mean Green

By: Brandon Wise/ Asst. Sports Director

brandon.wise@fiusm.com

The Panthers trailed early and often but when the scoreboard displayed all zeros, it ended up in the win column. Their first lead did not come until 13:10 to go in the game, but head coach Cindy Russo figured it would be enough.

“It was a hard fought game, we got on the boards well.” Russo said. “Everybody contributed in every way.”

This was the just the second time in the Panthers past six games where they won the rebounding battle. They were able to do this despite not having the services of starting forward Finda Mansare for most of the second half following her fouling out with 13 minutes left in the game.

“I don’t know what to tell you. Finda’s disappeared mentally somewhere down the line. She needs to get it together,” Russo said. “She’s frustrated, I don’t know why. A seasoned player like her needs to settle down and play better basketball.”

Even without Mansare on the floor, the Panthers found their groove. After all, they do have second leading scorer in the nation Jerica Coley to fall back on.

“Coach was telling us before the game to attack,” Coley said. “When they tried to stop it, I would just get it to the open people.”

Coley finished the night with a game-high 25 points, but coach Russo saw who the catalyst of the offense was, Carmen Miloglav.

“When Carmen rebounds, we win.” Russo said emphatically.

Miloglav led the Panthers in both rebounds with seven and assists with six. She was playing so tough that at multiple times throughout the game, Miloglav appeared to sustain some kind of injury. But, the junior kept coming right back on the floor.

The Panthers (16-8, 6-5 SBC) now are ready for to host Denver (16-10, 8-4 SBC) on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at U.S. Century Bank Arena.