FIU falls to Florida 90-74 in Gator Holiday Classic

By Steven Rowell/Staff Writer

FIU’s three-game winning streak was snapped after falling to the University of Florida 90-74 in the Gator Holiday Classic that took place in Gainesville on Dec. 20.

Playing Florida for the first time since last season’s game in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, the Panthers trailed throughout the contest and allowed Florida to shoot 62.9 percent for the game, which is the highest the Panthers have allowed any team to shoot against them all season. The 90 points is also the most the Panthers have allowed in a game this season.

FIU was plagued by 19 turnovers that into 32 points for the Gators. After putting a string of games of FIU shooting over 80 percent from the free-throw line, the Panthers converted on only 8-14 at the charity stripe. FIU’s bench was outscored by Florida’s bench 35-18.FIU allowed a season-high 18 fast break points while FIU registered zero.

Senior guard Jerica Coley led FIU with 35 points but other than her, FIU got little help elsewhere. Sophomore guard Taylor Shade was the only other FIU player to reach double figures with 10 points which is her third straight game of scoring in double figures.

Meanwhile for Florida, sophomore guard Christin Mercer torched FIU with 31 points on 15-17 shooting and also recording 3 of 12 steals for Florida. Sophomore guard Cassie Peoples added 24 points and senior guard Jaterra Bonds poured in 17 points for Florida.

The Gators led FIU 20-16 with 11:05 left in the first half, before outscoring FIU 33-18 for the rest of half to lead 53-34 at the intermission. In the second half, Florida built their lead to as high as 23 points at the 12:48 mark with the score 70-47.

FIU would go on a 20-7 run and pull within 10 points; trailing 77-67 with 6:03 remaining before the Gators pulled away for good.

The Panthers return home to host the Fun and Sun Classic on Dec. 28 when they host Farleigh Dickinson. Tip-off is set for 6 pm.