MIAMI (Nov. 11, 2021) – FIU women's basketball returns to the Ocean Bank Convocation Center this Friday, Nov. 12, when the Panthers host Florida Memorial for a late afternoon contest.
 
Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. For tickets, click here.

MATCHUP PREVIEW
FIU is looking for its first win of the young season on Friday after being edged by George Mason (69-67) in the final seconds of the Panthers' season opener this past Tuesday. Florida Memorial is also searching for its first victory, after the Lions dropped their first three contests against Stillman College, Rust College, and LSU Shreveport.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES
FIU is undefeated in its history against Florida Memorial, owning a perfect 13-0 record. The Panthers saw the Lions twice last season and won by a combined margin of 72 points. FIU won the first contest by a score of 96-57 (Dec. 14, 2020), before taking the next game, 107-74 (Mar. 3, 2021).
 
SCOUTING THE LIONS
Florida Memorial has been led this season by wing player Monique Esbrand, who is averaging 9.7 points and eight rebounds through the first three games. Guard Keaynna Tolbert exploded for 20 points and eight boards in her lone appearance of the year against LSU Shreveport last Thursday, Nov. 4. Reigning Sun Conference Freshman of the Year Chantel Barnett is averaging 8.34 ppg this season.
 
LAST TIME OUT
Fifth-year forward transfer Ariel Colón broke out for a game-high 19 points in FIU's season opener against the George Mason Patriots. Colón shot an efficient 50 percent from the field on 7-of-14 attempts, while adding three assists, two rebounds, and a steal.
 
Emerald Ekpiteta joined Colón in double digits with 13 points, while adding two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
 
Guard Olivia Trice splashed three treys for FIU on five attempts and grabbed a game-high six board against the Patriots, while also logging two assists and one block.
 
Sharpshooter Kyla Nelson logged four points and a game-high four steals to go along with three rebounds.
 
For the game, FIU shot 45 percent (25-of-56) from the field, including an impressive 10-of-24 from beyond the arc for a 42 percent clip.

UP NEXT
The Panthers hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to see Kennesaw State on Monday, Nov. 15, and George Southern on Wednesday, Nov. 17. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET against the Owls and 3 p.m. ET against the Eagles.

TICKETS
For tickets to all upcoming women's basketball home games, click here.

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