MIAMI (Nov. 5, 2018) - The FIU women's basketball team opens the 2018-19 season Tuesday, Nov. 6 as the Panthers host the 24th-ranked Miami Hurricanes at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center at 7 p.m. ET.
 
For full game notes of Tuesday's season opener, click here.

LAST TIME AGAINST MIAMI 
The Panthers fell in a nail-bitter last time to No. 24 Miami as the Hurricanes took a 77-69 decision over FIU.  After only trailing by two points entering halftime, the Panthers outscored the ranked Hurricanes 25-17 in the third quarter to take a lead on the road. UM stole momentum back with a 22-8 fourth quarter however as the Hurricanes escaped with a win.
 
Kristian Hudson led FIU with 21 points on 6-of-16 shooting from the floor. Kiandre'a Pound added 13 in the close call on the road.
 
SCOUTING THE HURRICANES
The Hurricanes are ranked No. 25/24 in both major polls entering Tuesday's game. The Hurricanes are seeking a return to the postseason in 2018-19.
 
UM downed Nova Southeastern in exhibition play 91-67 at home, with senior forward Emese Hof scoring 30 points on 14-of-15 shooting, while redshirt junior Beatrice Mom- premier logged 19 points and 10 rebounds to notch a double-double. 
 
HERE WE GO, 2018-19
FIU earned an 8-21 record last season, but it was much improved from 2016-17's mark of 5-24. The Panthers also improved their C-USA mark from 3-15 in 2016-17 to 5-11 in 2017-18.
 
WHAT COMES BACK
The Panthers will welcome back three players who logged minutes last season, with TaMiracle Taylor, Cabria Lee and Shante Walker returning for the 2018-19 season.
 
NEWCOMERS
FIU will welcome seven newcomers to the roster this season, with four juniors and three freshmen making up the seven total.
 
MRS. WORLDWIDE
FIU sports four international players on this season's roster, with three players from Europe and one from north of the border.
 
TEMPORADA TRES
The Panthers will officially enter season three under the direction of head coach Tiara Malcom.
 
GOING UP
Under the guidance of Tiara Malcom, FIU has improved its win total each season. The eight victories last season were also the most by any Panther basketball squad since the 2013-14 season.

FIU ON ESPN+
The Panthers will appear on ESPN+ three times this season, with the first contest coming on Tuesday, Nov. 6 against Miami. FIU's other two contests aired will be rival showdowns with FAU on Jan. 26 and Feb. 23.

LIVE STATS 
Live stats for Tuesday can be found here.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUWBasketball on Facebook and @FIUWBB on Twitter and Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.