Kasey Mintz/ Contributing Writer
The FIU women’s basketball team is set to open Conference USA play today, at 2 p.m., against the Old Dominion Monarchs, in the first half of a weekend doubleheader.
The lady Panthers are looking to snap a two-game losing streak on today’s game against Old Dominion. The Monarchs went 24-6 last season and clinched the number two seed in the Conference USA tournament, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
Last season, the women’s basketball team had a disappointing 6-23 season, with a 3-15 record in conference play. The last time both teams played the Panthers lost to the Monarchs by a score of 66-39.
But, that was last year; the Panthers need to shake off the ghost of last season.
The team has made strides towards turning around their record this season, winning three of the six non-conference games played so far. Their most impressive game has been against Florida Memorial University. The final score in that contest was 96-57 for the lady Panthers. FIU held Florida Memorial to just 8 points in the second quarter of the game.
It is that kind of defensive tenacity that should give FIU fans hope for the season.
Offensively, FIU has the weapons needed to excel this season. Most notably Jiselle Thomas and Kyla Nelson. Both are transfers into the program, Nelson from the University of Pittsburgh and Thomas from High Point University. Nelson and Thomas are averaging 13.3 and 12.5 points, respectively.
The lady Panthers may not have had a good season last year, but as the adage goes, “New Year, New Me.” Coaches, Players, and Fans hope this is the case.
Fans can watch the game on Conference USA TV. The second half of this doubleheader will be tomorrow at 2 pm, and can also be viewed on Conference USA TV.
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