HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The FIU women’s basketball team faced a tough challenge on Thursday, ending in a 66-54 defeat against Sam Houston, which brings their conference record to 5-5.
Despite a spirited effort, the Panthers were unable to maintain their momentum as a late surge of 9-2 by the Bearkats in the fourth quarter secured the win for the home team.
Strong Defense in the First Half
The game kicked off as a fierce contest, concluding the first quarter in a 11-11 deadlock. FIU’s defense set the tone early, restricting the Bearkats to just 28.6% shooting and forcing them into six turnovers. Senior Bineta Diatta shone brightly, putting up five points in the first quarter and finishing the game with 16 points on an impressive 4-of-6 shooting. She also set a career high by sinking eight free throws, along with six rebounds and a steal.
Scoring Surge and Halftime Adjustment
The second quarter saw six different Panthers contribute to the scoring push, leading FIU to a commendable 54.5% shooting rate. Unfortunately, they exited the half trailing 31-25, as Sam Houston managed to find their rhythm.
Revved Up in the Third Quarter
FIU’s offense ignited in the third quarter, racking up 21 points with a stellar 4-of-5 shooting and a season-high 12-of-15 from the free-throw line. Despite the offensive firepower, Sam Houston maintained control with a 46.7% shooting rate, ending the quarter with a 53-46 lead.
Final Push Falls Short
The Panthers made a spirited attempt to close the gap in the fourth quarter, narrowing the lead to just five points with seven minutes left. However, the comeback ultimately fell short, marking their seventh road loss of the season.
Senior Isnelle Natabou also made significant contributions to the team, scoring 16 points and grabbing 16 rebounds—achieving her second double-double in three games and the fourth of the season.
Rebounding and Paint Performance
In terms of rebounding, FIU dominated with a 36-25 advantage and outscored Sam Houston 30-28 in the paint, showcasing their strength underneath the basket.
Looking Forward
Next up, the Panthers will travel to Louisiana Tech to face the Lady Techsters on Saturday, February 8th at 4:00 p.m. ET.
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For more details on tickets for FIU basketball home games, including student ticketing, please contact 305-FIU-GAME or visit our website.
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