By: Cristhian Plasencia/Asst. Sports Director
Women’s basketball senior Kiandre’a Pound led FIU to a dominant 86-65 win over the Florida Atlantic Owls on Senior Day at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, as she posted yet another double-double.
Playing her last home game in FIU, Pound made the most of her final performance
“It meant a lot to play my final game as a Panther at home, especially being around by so much support, having my daughter and parents cheering me on. It was the first game my mother attended this season,” said Pound.
It was a bittersweet moment for the senior forward, as she elaborated on her feelings following the game.
“I will never have the opportunity to play on this floor again, but [it was] sweet that we were able to get the win and play our best offensive game this season,” she said.
Pound finished the game with 20 points and hauled in 12 rebounds. She shot 53 percent from the field, and dropped three triples.
FIU led by 25 points, 50-25, at the half. They held the Owls to shooting a low 33 percent from the field.
The Panthers kept expanding their lead by converting shots from beyond the arc.
“We started to knock down shots, and it became easier because it takes the pressure off as we increased the lead, giving players that usually don’t shoot from deep, confidence to attempt three pointers,” said Coach Tiara Malcom.
Pound’s experience at FIU transpired differently than what she expected, between having a daughter and returning to college basketball after sitting out two years of her college career.
“After leaving the program, my mindset is to be a better mother, but if professional basketball comes up, I would be open to the opportunity,” said Pound.
FIU’s regular season schedule is comprised of two more away games, however the Panthers are thinking of making a run at the Conference USA Basketball Championships.
“Overall, we have the ability to upset a lot of the top conference teams. Throughout the season, we’ve been very inconsistent, but we beat teams such as Rice and Middle Tennessee,” said Pound. “We’re going in with a lot of confidence, and I believe we can make it to the conference championship and win. We are a hard team to guard once we get going.”
The message around the locker has been one game at a time as the post-season approaches, but there’s a sense of momentum shrining in the heart of the FIU women’s basketball team.
The Panthers will visit UTEP in El Paso, TX on Thursday 8 p.m. They will play their season finale on Saturday at Southern Miss.