Ginevra Gil | Staff Writer
After closing 2025 in dominant fashion with a 122-30 match against FNU that saw 8 Panthers score in double figures and a record-setting first half, FIU women’s basketball carries momentum into its Conference USA opener.
FIU (7-4) will play against Missouri St (8-5) at home on Sunday, Jan. 4 at noon, opening league play with a matchup that offers a measuring stick for both programs.
“Rest. Definitely the biggest premium this time of year going into such a big stretch coming up,” said head coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley in response to Sunday’s game. “it’s also about going back to the basics. Today (result against FNU) was a good showcase of that.”
The meeting marks just the third all-time contest between the two teams, with Missouri State holding a 2-0 advantage from matchups during the 1999-2000 seasons. Sunday’s game however, introduces a new chapter as the Lady Bears make their Conference USA debut. Missouri State was picked to finish fourth in the preseason poll, two spots ahead of FIU.
Strategically, Missouri St. excel at getting to the line, ranking among the national leaders in free throw attempts and makes at 72.6%. Due to FIU’s aggressive defensive style, the Lady Bears can get the better of FIU.
The Panthers, meanwhile, enter conference play with a clear offensive identity. As a team FIU is averaging 77.9 points per game, a notable advantage over Missouri State’s 66.5 ppg, and have thrived turning defense into offense. FIU ranks among the league’s most aggressive teams in transition, generating 28.5 points off turnovers per game, doubling Missouri State’s average of 14.
The production is anchored by Rhema Collins (19.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg), who controls the paint on both ends, and Parris Atkins (17 ppg, 4.0 spg), whose two-way impact fuels FIU’s tempo and defensive pressure.
Following Sunday’s conference opener, FIU will continue C-USA play against Jacksonville State at home.
Prediction:
FIU: 76
Missouri State: 72
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