Panthers pressured in match against LA Tech

Peter Holland, Jr. / Staff Writer

The slump continues for the Panthers as they were ousted by University of Southern Mississippi 75-37. The team’s record is currently 5-19 (3-10 in C-USA), as it will try to keep hope alive for a match on Feb.18 against Louisiana Tech University.

The Panthers struggled to get out of their own way by trailing big in the first half. Early in the first quarter, the Panthers went scoreless in the first five minutes while Southern Miss was on a 10-0 run. FIU was on the board for the first time after a three-point shot by senior point guard Kristian Hudson. It was the Panthers’ only three-point shot made in the first half as the they were 4-19 the entire game.

“We were prepared, we just needed to settle down and take a breath,” said Head Coach Tiara Malcom. “Once we got past the first pressure, we panicked and lost focus. We got away from what we worked on. We just needed to be confident in what we were prepared to do.”

Southern Miss showed dominance from both ends of the court. The Golden Eagles put up 29 points in the paint and 29 points off turnovers by leading the Panthers. Southern Miss improved to 17-9 (9-5 in C-USA).

“They pressed us, which we knew they were,” said Malcom. “It kind of got us back on their heels to start the game. Once we got away from the pressure, we were rushed. So, we weren’t very patient in our offense once we got it over and settled in half court.”

Despite FIU’s struggles on offense, starting point guard Kristian Hudson led the team with 15 points and seven rebounds. Freshman guard Kayla Rogers was their second leading scorer with 12 points.

The Panthers will be back on the court Saturday to face LA Tech again at 2 p.m.

 

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