Ginevra Gil | Staff Writer
After a two-game road stretch where they split results, the Panthers return home looking to elevate their intensity at a pivotal point in their season.
FIU (15-9, 8-5 CUSA) will first host the Delaware Blue Hens (12-13, 6-7 CUSA) in an early 11 am matchup on Thursday, Feb 19. They will then close out the weekend against the Liberty Flames (13-11, 7-6 CUSA) on Saturday, at noon.
Thursday’s matchup presents another chance at redemption against the Blue Hens. FIU fell 51-48 on the road earlier this season after managing just six points in the fourth quarter. Delaware closed the game on a decisive run, overcoming a thirteen-point deficit and delivering one of the more difficult conference losses for the Panthers.
Before returning home, FIU first faced top seeded Louisiana Tech in what was another rematch for the Panthers.
After suffering an initial tough loss to Louisiana Tech on Feb 12, FIU entered their second contest with renewed intensity. The opening quarter featured an evenly matched battle, with both teams establishing an offensive rhythm.
LA Tech held a narrow 15-14 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Turnovers proved costly for FIU in the second quarter, the Bulldogs capitalized on extra possessions to build momentum. The home side stretched its lead to ten points, taking a 34-24 advantage into halftime.
Out of the break, the Bulldogs maintained control. They continued their offensive efficiency while keeping FIU at a distance heading into the third quarter.
The gap widened in the final quarter, stretching to as much as a 23-point lead. Louisiana Tech handed FIU another tough loss, securing a 71-49 victory.
Despite the result, FIU had two players finish in double figures.
Judit Valero led the Panthers with 11 points, while Parris Atkins had 10.
With that second road contest out of their way, the Panthers faced Sam Houston away from home.
The first quarter unfolded at a high pace, with both teams pushing the tempo and sharing similar ball movement. Physical play on both ends evenly balanced the opening period.
Following the previous quarter, each side responded with runs and heading into halftime the game remained within two possessions.
The Panthers came out the break with heightened intensity, shooting 50 percent from the field in the third . Sam Houston was limited to just nine points while FIU added 14 of their own. Rhema Collins contributed 10 of those points and finished the night with 24 points overall.
Despite outscoring Sam Houston in the third, FIU’s lead remained close at just one possession.
The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, both teams attacked the paint and drew fouls to keep the score tight.
With 41 seconds remaining, the Panthers held a one-point advantage as Sam Houston gained possession. FIU’s defense delivered in the closing moments, forcing a steal and earning a trip to the free-throw line to extend the lead.
FIU converted at the line to complete the season sweep against Sam Houston and headed back to Miami with the win.
Alongside Collins, Adama Badjie Coly recorded 13 points with seven rebounds and Fantasia James contributed 11 points and five rebounds.
With these marking the final home games of the 2025-26 regular season, the stretch carries significant weight for FIU’s conference momentum and postseason positioning.
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