FIU Women’s Basketball Splits Series Against FAU Owls

Fabio Lopez/Staff Writer

The FIU Panthers split this weekend’s doubleheader against the Florida Atlantic Owls, losing the first game 69-73 and winning the second 65-62.

The Panthers’ Conference USA record is now 3-3 and holds a 6-6 overall record this season, equalling last season’s total wins (6-23) in just 12 games. FIU now leads 16-14 against FAU in total matches, since they began playing against each other back in 2006. 

The first game in the series saw the Owls lead 41-29 at halftime. The Panthers responded scoring 21 points in the third quarter as both teams went back and forth on the scoreboard.  

In the end, FAU edged out the Panthers, narrowly winning by a score of 73-69. 

FIU guard Jiselle Thomas led all scorers for the Panthers with 14 points along with three rebounds and 3 assists. Forward Emerald Ekpiteta led the team with seven, and guard Fujika Nimmo recorded five assists. 

Game two of the series was also tightly contested. Both teams went into the second half tied 33-33.

The Owls led the third quarter, but FIU scored 21 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the game with a score of 65-62.

FIU guard Kyla Nelson scored 18 points and a career-high 8 rebounds. Ekpiteta scored 16 points and 12 rebounds, earning her fifth double-double of the season. Thomas completed the trifecta by scoring 11 points.

FIU’s next doubleheader will be in Huntington, West Virginia against Marshall Thundering Herd on Friday, January 22nd at 6 pm, and Saturday, January 23rd at 3 pm.