Panthers turnover 101 points to Charlotte

Peter Holland, Jr. // Staff Writer

After recovering from a loss to Old Dominion University, the Panthers fell again to University of Charlotte, 101-54. The 49ers outshot the Panthers, leaving FIU with a 5-16 (3-7 in C-USA) record.

Like their last game against ODU, the Panthers dug themselves into a deep hole right from the start when they trailed behind the 49ers 30-4 by the end of the first quarter.

“Charlotte did a good job of taking away Kristian [Hudson] and Janka [Hegedus] early and going inside against us, but we did not bring our game today,” said Head Coach Tiara Malcom “You can scheme and game plan and prepare all that you want, but the team has to bring its energy and focus on the court, and I was disappointed that we did not have that today.”

Charlotte shot 83 percent from the three-point line in the first quarter and 50 percent the entire game led by starting guard Ciara Gregory, who broke Charlotte’s school record for most three-point shots in a game with eight. Gregory is the 49ers’ all-time leader in three pointers with 204 made.

“We were often late and when were there we didn’t have a hand up so that’s what happened,” said Head Coach Tiara Malcom. “Good for her that she broke the record, records are meant to be broken but you don’t want the other end of the record being broken.”

Freshman Kayla Rogers made her first career start at the two-guard spot, replacing her fellow freshman teammate Alexis Gordon, who would sub in for her the entire game.  

“Kayla played well but Lex didn’t do anything wrong,” Malcom said. “She had some personal matters so that’s why Lexis didn’t start.”

Rogers was the spark in the Panther’s offense, scoring a career high 17 points and was 3-4 from the three-point line.

The Panthers will be traveling to Texas for their two away games coming up. On Feb.9, they will face Rice University at Houston at 8 p.m. They will drive up to Denton to face University of North Texas on Feb. 11 at 4 p.m.