FIU picks up first conference win, looks to rival FAU

By Steven Rowell/Staff Writer

After a tough 51-49 loss to Rice University to open Conference USA play on Jan. 8, FIU knew it would have its hands full trying to bounce back against East Carolina University on Jan. 12. FIU was up to the task as late-game heroics propelled the Panthers to a 76-75 overtime victory to give ECU its second loss of the season and improve FIU to 7-8 and 1-1 in conference play.

“They are a very good team, they kept putting different types of offenses, and everybody stepped up and we just beat a very good team and I’m very proud of them,” Head Coach Cindy Russo said.

Leading the way was senior point guard Jerica Coley with 37 points for FIU. The Panthers also got much needed production from junior forward Tynia McKinzie with 14 points and sophomore guard Taylor Shade with 13 points. Shade was crucial in the first half in helping FIU get going on offense and overcoming a fast start by ECU who jumped out to an early 8-0 lead. After trailing by as much as 10, FIU grabbed its first lead midway through the 2nd half before going into halftime tied at 35.

FIU built its largest lead of the game in the second half by holding ECU without a field goal until the 15:50 mark as FIU led 44-35. The Pirates rallied behind junior guard Abria Trice who poured in 31 points to make the game down the stretch a back and forth contest. A layup by McKinzie put FIU up two seconds before ECU’s senior guard Kristine Mial’s layup forced overtime. In overtime, Coley scored on the go ahead lay-up with 16 seconds remaining and came up with the stop as ECU’s junior guard Janesha Ebron missed the layup preserving the win for the Panthers.

Going into the game, ECU allowed just  58.3 points per game which is the second fewest among Conference USA teams and was coming a win against Florida Atlantic University in which they held FAU who is ranked third in the Conference in points per game to 58 points. FIU knew it would take a collective team effort on offense against the Pirates.

“It was going to take a lot of patience, and execution, we knew they were long, so we had to get a feel for their defense and we kind of saw open gaps so we just were patient, we executed and we were able to get open shots,” Shade said.

 

SCOUTING FAU

 

Up next for the Panthers will be a trip to Boca Raton, Fla. for one of two matchups with their rival in FAU tonight, Jan. 15 at 7 pm. FAU currently sits at 10-4 and has yet to lose a game on their home floor this season.

“It’s a big week for us, it will be huge. I know it’s a rivalry so there will be a lot of energy and excitement but we just have to stay patient and calm down a little bit,” Shade said.

Defense will be key for FIU as the Owls are one of the top scoring teams in C-USA ranking number three with an average of 78.7 points per game. FAU is also third in the conference in steals averaging 11.4 steals per game.

“FAU is really a guard team, so we are going to have to strategize on that and adjust. Zone is going to be our only bet for them because the post players won’t be able to stay in because we won’t be able to match up with them,” McKinzie said.

Last season, while both teams were competing in the Sun Belt Conference, FIU won both matchups which was a 65-55 victory at home on Feb. 6 and a 68-65 victory in Boca Raton, Fla. on March 2.

The Owls have three players averaging double figures this season. They are led by senior forward Chenise Miller with 13.4 points per game, senior guard Latavia Dempsey with 12.5 points per game, and senior guard Takia Brooks averaging 11.2 points per game. FAU is a senior heavy team with seven seniors while FIU has only two.

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