Panthers Down UTSA 51-40

Kylee O'Hara Shooting From Deep. Photo by Christian Almanza

Written By Christian Almanza/Contributing Writer

For one FIU basketball team, the season has been encouraging and invigorating. For another, it has been an uphill battle.

The women’s basketball team finally receives a breath of fresh air, with a satisfying victory against Conference USA opponent UTSA in the Ocean Bank Convocation Center on Thursday afternoon.

Coming into the matchup, both teams had seen recent struggles with UTSA dropping their last six games in-a-row. The Panthers had dropped a frustrating 11-straight.

Both teams got off to a slow start, as they combined to miss the first eight field goal attempts of the first quarter.

UTSA recorded the first 4 points, with a jumper from Marie Benson followed by a layup from Tija Hawkins.

After missing their initial seven shot attempts, the Panther finally got on the scoreboard with 4:21 left in the period thanks to a couple of free throws from point guard Paula Orenes.

Ieva Spigule connected on a 3-pointer to give the Panthers a 5-4 lead, and the Roadrunners would not regain it back until much later in the fourth quarter.

At the end of the opening period, FIU led 7-6, despite shooting an embarrassing 2-13 on field goal attempts.

UTSA struggled just as mightily, shooting 3-18 from the field in the period.

It was in the second quarter that this theme completely vanished as FIU broke through to go on an inspiring run that would be the catalyst for a well-deserved home victory.

The Panthers quickly scored five points off an easy layup inside by Chelsea Guimaraes, and another 3-pointer by Ieva Spigule, taking a 12-6 lead that would force UTSA coach Kristen Holt to call a timeout.

Things only unraveled further for the Roadrunners out of the huddle as the Panthers began controlling the tempo on both ends of the floor.

Defensive energy led the way for the Panthers in the second, as they forced the opponent into 12 missed shots and caused seven turnovers, including four steals and two blocks.

The Panthers capitalized on the forced turnovers, converting them into nine points on the opposite end, and transferring the momentum into a fluid offensive rhythm.

FIU score in an arsenal of ways including multiple drives to the basket, three 3-pointers, two fast break opportunities, a mid-range jumper, and three free-throws.

FIU moved the ball effectively around the perimeter in the quarter, swiftly swinging the ball side-to-side for the best open look.

Forward Kylee O’ Hara connected on two long-balls and helped the Panthers shoot 44.4% from downtown in the first half.

At the break, the Panthers were up comfortably 27-11, thanks to a fierce 20-5 run in the second quarter.

Momentum shifted drastically coming out of the locker room however as the Panthers suddenly became stagnant and watched their lead evaporate over the duration of the third period.

Guard Barbara Benson sparked her team with 3 steals, creating multiple fast break opportunities for the racing Roadrunners.

FIU was unable to put the ball in the bucket as they shot an ice cold 2-14 on field goal attempts in the period.

UTSA outrebounded the Panthers 12-7 and bullied them inside all quarter. It was mostly easy pickings, as 10 of the 18 third-quarter points for the Roadrunners came within the painted area.

After a dismal third, the Panthers comfortable advantage had shrunk to a 31-29 lead.

While the game featured odd highs and lows, the fourth quarter was a furious and competitive finish that saw multiple lead changes for the only period of the game.

The Roadrunners rode their momentum into the early part of the fourth quarter, finally ripping the lead away from the Panthers at the 6:10 mark with a 36-33 advantage.

At this point is about when Kylee O’Hara decided she wasn’t having any of that.

The freshman took over, scoring the next seven points for her team in heroic fashion. She drove left on a beautiful scoop layup, then sniped one from beyond the arc to retake the lead 38-36 for FIU.

When UTSA answered with a tying bucket, she drove left again to put the Panthers back up 40-38 with another layup.

After that separation, it was ‘all she wrote’, as the Roadrunners ran out of gas and the Panthers finished on an 11-2 run to close the game.

Paula Orenes sank a dagger trey-ball with 2:04 left to put the Panthers up by eight and ice the game.

Another 20-point quarter would help FIU secure a 51-40 victory over UTSA, one in which they led the vast majority of the way.

FIU surrendered the least amount of points they have all season, also holding Alcorn State to 40 points back on December 20th during the FIU Holiday Tournament.

The Panthers leapfrog UTSA in the standings after improving their conference-play record and have another opportunity to move up when they host UTEP on Saturday, February 9th at 2 pm at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

Featured image by Christian Almanza/PantherNOW

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