Ginevra Gil | Staff Writer
Following their loss against Missouri State, the FIU Panthers women’s basketball team are looking to regroup as they prepare for their next conference matchup.
FIU (7-5, 0-1 CUSA) will host Jacksonville State (7-7, 1-1 CUSA) on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.
The two programs have met four times since Jacksonville State officially joined the conference in 2023, with FIU holding a 3-1 advantage in the series.
The matchup presents an intriguing contrast.
FIU has shown an edge offensively, but ball security remains a concern. The Panthers average 19.6 turnovers per game, significantly higher than Jacksonville State’s 12.9, making decision-making and ball movement a key factor if FIU hopes to control the tempo.
Before turning their attention to Jacksonville State, the Panthers faced Missouri State in a hard fought contest that ultimately ended in a 69-80 loss.
Both teams opened the game with a frustrating start, as strong defensive play kept the match scoreless for the first two minutes. While FIU struggled to find rhythm offensively, the defense kept them within reach early on. They finished the first quarter 11-17.
Defense is the heartbeat of the Panthers, and senior Parris Atkins is the pulse that keeps it alive. With 45 steals, she is only six away from matching last season’s steals total with nine games remaining, her presence was vital. Especially so as FIU is without its leading scorer, Rhema Collins, who missed her second consecutive game.
With the defense holding firm, the offense began to find its footing in the second quarter. As shots started to fall, the Panthers outscored Missouri State 21-10 in the period and carried a five-point lead into halftime.
FIU’s momentum faded in the third quarter. Missouri State capitalized, building a 10-point lead heading into the fourth.
But the Panthers refused to back down.
After knocking down back-to-back three-pointers, FIU cut the deficit to just two points and injected new life into their comeback effort.
However, Missouri State responded with a late run, pulling away to secure the 80-69 victory.
Despite the loss, Atkins finished with 35 points and five steals. Judit Valero was the only other Panther to score in double figures, recording 11 points and securing four rebounds.
With conference play still in its early stages, the Panthers now turn their focus to Jacksonville State, looking to build momentum and tighten execution as they continue their push through conference play.
Prediction
FIU: 82
Jacksonville State: 73
About Post Author
