TAKEAWAYS – Women’s Basketball Unable To Make Fourth Quarter Comeback

MIAMI, FL – FIU Women’s Basketball came off a tough loss to ACU and looked to rebound against a Jacksonville University team that is 1-1 on the season, with their most recent loss coming to the University of Miami.

Injuries Play Major Factor

Going into the game, FIU was down a few major contributors – Mya Kone, Tanajah Hayes, and Luciana Fleta Robles. A lot of players, primarily new ones, had to step up for FIU.

Freshman Ndate Ndiaye made the first start of her collegiate career. Aaliyah Pitts, Bineta Diatta, and Parris Atkins made their second starts of the season. Judith Valero Rodriguez made her first start of the season.

Leading the team in minutes was Pitts with 39 minutes. She finished the night with five points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Right behind Pitts was Parris Atkins with 37 minutes played put up 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Valero Rodriguez with 36 minutes had seven points, three rebounds, and one assist.

Turnovers An Issue

In just the first half alone, the Panthers had 17 turnovers. A lot of it has to do with this being a relatively new starting five on the court with the absence of three key players. Aside from that, it felt like FIU was trying to do too much at times.

They would go on to finish the night with 29 turnovers.

Issues From Beyond The Arc

FIU went without making a single three-pointer in the first half of play. Their first three-pointer would come in the third quarter thanks to Judith Valero Rodriguez.

The Panthers ended the night going 3-15 from beyond the arc. Valero Rodriguez, Pitts, and Angena Belloso all made a three-pointer.

Trouble From The Line

FIU had plenty of chances to get some free points, but were unable to convert, finishing the game going 9-23 from the free throw line. That is 39.1% from the line.

What’s Next?

The Panthers won’t travel too far as they head to Coral Gables to take on the Miami Hurricanes on Tuesday, November 19th at 7pm.

Historically, FIU is 2-5 against them, currently riding a five-game losing streak. Their last win against the Canes came in the 2007-08 season.