Women’s Basketball Outmatched, Can’t Solve Canes In Coral Gables

CORAL GABLES, FL –  It was an All-Dade County matchup at the Watsco Center as the FIU Women’s Basketball Team tipped off against the Miami Hurricanes.

Despite a close start, the Panthers couldn’t match the Canes’ tempo in the end and fell by a score of 79-51.

Competitive First Quarter

The game tonight began with FIU in control, cruising with a seven-point lead over the Canes. It was a great showing for both Parris Atkins (who scored four points and four assists) and Tanajah Harris who led the Panthers in points at the end of the first quarter with five.

FIU wrapped up the first quarter shooting 8-19 on field goal attempts, and it was clear that head coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley had this team ready to play.

Turnover Troubles Begin To Pop Up

FIU began to lose traction in the second quarter, surrendering 10 turnovers to the Canes they capitalized on. UM’s

Haley Cavinder was the spark UM needed as she wrapped up the quarter with four points, three rebounds, and two assists.

The Panthers also faced some foul trouble, with six whistles in the quarter.

Scoring Improves, Turnovers Do Not

The Panthers saw some improvement in the third highlighted by Isnelle Natabou, who ended the quarter with five points with two rebounds.

Atkins also improved in the third, racking up three points and three boards. Still, their struggles with keeping the ball didn’t get fixed, as FIU surrendered another eight turnovers and continued to grant the Canes more opportunities.

UM’s Lemyah Hylton and Haley Cavinder kept the Hurricanes hot throughout the third, only increasing their lead.

FIU Comes Out Flat In Fourth

The fourth quarter was very unfavorable for the Panthers. Judit Valero Rodriguez was the shining star through it all, scoring five points with an assist.

As mentioned before, the Panthers were attacked by the turnovers. Surrendering yet another ten in the final quarter.

UM continued to cruise with the lead – and eventually, the win – as the game wrapped up with a 79-51 final score.

Up Next For The FIU Panthers

The Panthers will head back home to the Bank and will take on a formidable foe in the Florida Atlantic Owls on Saturday, November 23rd at 1 PM.

The Panthers would have played their two geographical rivals in back-to-back games this time, however, looking to be on the winning side of things.