Categories: College University AthleticsWestern Kentucky University News

FIU Panthers Secure First Conference Win in Thrilling Finish

FIU Panthers basketball players in action during the game.

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News Summary

The FIU Panthers celebrated their first conference victory of the season with a narrow 80-79 win against Western Kentucky on January 4, 2025. After a rocky start, the Panthers rallied to take control of the game, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. Standout performances from Angena Belloso and Parris Atkins, both scoring 23 points, were crucial to the team’s success. With this victory, FIU looks to maintain momentum as they prepare to face Louisiana Tech on January 9.

Bowling Green, Kentucky – Panthers Roar to First Conference Victory!

In an exhilarating showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the FIU Panthers managed to clinch their first conference victory of the season with a nail-biting 80-79 win over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on January 4, 2025. Marking the first triumph of the New Year, the Panthers showcased a fierce determination that was simply impossible to overlook.

First Quarter Follies

The game got off to a rocky start for FIU as Western Kentucky sprinted ahead with a quick 21-10 lead in the opening five minutes, putting the Panthers in a bit of a bind. However, FIU quickly found their rhythm and fashioned a superb response, wrapping up the first quarter with an 11-5 run to draw closer, ending the period at 26-21.

It was a collective effort with five Panthers putting points on the board in that quarter, but it was Angena Belloso who led the charge, contributing six points. Her night was just getting started, as she would soon embark on a performance unlike any other.

Stepping Up the Game

When the second quarter arrived, the Panthers’ defense cranked up a notch, holding WKU to a mere 27.8% shooting percentage. FIU, on the other hand, dazzled on offense, netting an astounding 81.8% and racking up 23 points to take a modest lead into halftime at 44-39.

A Defensive Dominance

The intensity didn’t let up in the third quarter, where both teams were battling hard for points. FIU scored 19 points while Western Kentucky could only muster 16 points during that stretch. The real story, however, was the way the Panthers controlled the boards—dominating rebounds 12-4 in the quarter and leading 44-20 in total rebounds for the game. With a healthy 63-55 lead heading into the final frame, the Panthers were feeling good.

A Tense Final Stretch

14 points with just over three minutes left on the clock. But hold onto your hats! WKU made a valiant push, roaring back with a 17-4 run, making the outcome uncertain. Fortunately, key free throws from both Belloso and senior Aaliyah Pitts proved clutch, sealing the deal for FIU.

A Night of Career-Highs

Two standout players stole the spotlight—both Angena Belloso and Parris Atkins rejected their previous bests to each drop an impressive 23 points. Belloso dazzled by shooting 8-11 from the field and snagged eight assists and six rebounds, proving she was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Atkins shone bright as well, hitting 10-13 from the floor and matching her career-best with nine rebounds.

Additionally, former WKU player Aaliyah Pitts made quite an impact, contributing 12 points on just 4-5 shooting and gracefully gliding to her second double-double with 12 rebounds. Isnelle Natabou rounded out the effort with a commendable 10 points and eight rebounds to boot.

Looking Ahead

68.1%, they also celebrate a remarkable feat—defeating Western Kentucky for the third consecutive time in what is just the second instance in program history.

Looking forward, FIU has their sights set on a new challenge as they prepare to take on Louisiana Tech on January 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup awaits at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center as the Panthers look to carry their newfound momentum into the next battle!