Women’s Basketball Falls To FAU In Overtime Thriller

Deedee Diane before tip-off against Marshall. Dalton Tevlin/PantherNOW

Richard Gibson/Staff Writer   

Heading into this game with a 5-16 record, it’s been a difficult road for the Panthers. They’ve gone 1-4 in the past 5 games, including a 20 point loss to Western Kentucky. Coming into this game are the 9-12 Florida Atlantic Owls, who haven’t fared much better. In a defensive oriented game flooded with turnovers, FAU pulled out the win in overtime, 64-61. 

   The first quarter for the Panthers began sloppy, with traveling calls early. FAU wasted no time getting an early lead, and FIU had to play catchup. FIU’s first time out saw them face a 12 point deficit.

   After a few minutes, FAU started to go cold. With multiple traveling calls on the Owls, the Panthers had opportunities to take the lead. However, the defense of FAU began to step up. At the end of the first quarter, the Owls maintained a 14-8 lead.

   It was a back and forth affair for both teams in the second quarter. With numerous fouls on both teams, the points slowly increased. After a 3-pointer from Ieva Spigule in the 6th minute, FIU finally got their first lead. FAU would regain the lead with two minutes to go. They would hold on to the lead at halftime, up 28-25.

   The third quarter began slow. Both teams couldn’t get into a rhythm on offense, and turnovers proved to be the story of the game. Both teams would go back and forth with the score. A pair of three pointers by FIU would give them the lead at the end of the third, with a score of 42-41.

   From the beginning of the game, this match was physical, and it all escalated in the fourth quarter. The defenses of both sides stepped up, with only 11 points scored in the first 4 minutes. The last four minutes, however, saw multiple lead changes between FIU and FAU. 

   With one minute to go, some clutch free throw shots by Chelsea Guimaraes would tie up the game at 56. FAU’s final possession with six seconds to go was a hard miss, and the game went into overtime. 

   For as slow as the game began for both offenses, both teams quickly put up points in overtime. FIU jumped to a three point lead, but a decisive turnover would lead to FAU stealing the lead. An unfortunate turnover by FIU with 10 seconds left would seal the game, and FAU would leave with a 64-61 win.

   FAU committed 13 turnovers, while FIU committed 20. FAU also had more steals (6 to 4), blocks (4 to 1), and rebounds (43 to 42). Both teams committed 24 fouls, while FIU put up 14 assists compared to the Owl’s 8. FIU was 8-21 at the three-point line, and 11-22 from the free throw line. 

   Guimaraes was FIU’s leading scorer and rebounder with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and also got FIU’s only block. Paula Orenes led FIU in assists with four. 

   FIU’s record is now 5-17, and they’re last in Conference-USA. This game was the first of a three-game homestand. FIU will host the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on February 13th, then host the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on February 15th. After that, they’ll head on the road for three straight games. 

Be the first to comment on "Women’s Basketball Falls To FAU In Overtime Thriller"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*