Peter Holland, Jr. // Staff Writer
After forcing three overtimes, sophomore guard Kristian Hudson pulled a game-winning halfcourt shot to clinch the Panthers’ first back-to-back win of the season in their 87-88 victory University of Texas El Paso.
The Panther’s defense, despite being undersized by the Minor’s front line, played aggressively on the court, recording 11 steals and five blocks to make it a competitive game.
“We got this win on the defensive end,” said Head Coach Tiara Malcom. We did a good job on the boards, and we really committed ourselves on the defensive end of the floor.”
Trailing most of the night and even being down as high as 13 points, FIU wouldn’t go away as the team recorded eight total lead changes and tying the game 10 times throughout the game.
Hudson carried the team all the way to the end, finishing the night with a double-double. The Alabama native scored 35 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists in 55 minutes. In the first half, Hudson was the only player for the Panthers to be in double figures after the Panthers was down 31-32 going into halftime.
“Kris kept us in the first half and at halftime, we have to make some adjustments,” said Malcom.
Senior guard Tianah Alvarado scored 21 points coming off the bench, making two key three-point shots to make it closer throughout the game. The St. Petersburg native also made her presence known defensively, recording four steals.
“I just try my best,” said Alvarado. “I didn’t give up, and that’s it.”
In the third overtime, and after a missed jump shot by starting forward Janka Hegedus, UTEP hit a daggering three pointer to regain the lead with less than three seconds left in the game. Then Hudson sprinted to the front court and nailed a game-winning half court shot to seal their second straight victory.
“It just comes from the confidence in my teammates,” said Hudson. “Whenever I turned the ball over, their always like you got it. Everytime I miss a shot, they are always behind me and encouraging me, and it’s easy to go forward with that.”
FIU is now 4-11 (2-2 in C-USA). The Panthers will be back on the court to face University of Texas San Antonio as they are looking to get their third straight win on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m.
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