By Steven Rowell/Staff Writer
FIU saw one player reach a career high in points and another break an FIU single-game scoring record, but it still was not enough to defeat Wake Forest on Sunday Dec. 29 in the Fun and Sun Classic at the U.S. Century Bank Arena.
Despite a career high of 16 points from junior forward Tynia Mckinzie and 47 points from senior guard Jerica Coley, Wake Forest came out with an 86-79 win over the Panthers dropping FIU to 5-7 and denying the Panthers the chance to climb back to .500. Coley’s 47 points broke the previous school record of 45 points that was held by Albena Branzova back in 1993. The 47 also marked a career high for the senior.
In a closely contested game, FIU found themselves leading 42-39 going into the half-time break. In the second half, the Panthers were outscored in the second half 47-37. The second half saw neither team leading by more than five points until the final score. The Panthers last time leading was with 8:08 remaining with the score being 59-58. FIU managed to tie the game once again at 72 with 3:42 remaining, but FIU ultimately would exchange points with Wake Forest down the stretch vas FIU was unable to get the stops needed down the stretch allowing the Deamon Deacons to pull away.
For Wake Forest, leading the way was senior guard Chelsea Douglas. Douglas torched FIU with 48 points including a 9-13 effort from beyond the arc as Douglas made all nine three’s for Wake Forest. As a team, the Deamon Deacons shot 49.1 percent. Also for the Deamon Deacons, junior forward Dearica Hamby tallied 24 points on 10-17 shooting.
Next up for FIU is a match-up against Palm Beach Atlantic University on Sunday at the Lime Court and following that will be start of conference play for the Panthers.
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