MIAMI (Nov. 12, 2021) - The FIU women's basketball team grabbed its first win of the season on Friday afternoon as the Panthers tamed the Florida Memorial Lions by a score of 72-69 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

FIU's record improved to 1-1 with the victory.

The Panthers saw a team-high 22 points from fifth-year transfer Ariel Colon, who shot an efficient 9 for 16 from the field, including 40 percent from long-range.

Emerald Ekpiteta added 17 points for the Panthers to go along with a game-high eight rebounds.

Freshman Zaida Gonzalez was effective in her second-straight start for the Panthers, as the point guard scored in double digits (11) on an efficient 50 percent shooting from the field.

The Panthers and Lions battled most the way in a contest that saw eight lead changes and eight ties, with neither team leading by more than two points at the end of each period. FIU was ahead of FMU for a total of 27:13 in the game while seeing a lead as large as eight points with 1:39 left in the third period.

The Blue & Gold saw its largest scoring run in the fourth quarter when the Panthers put up 11 unanswered points to take a 66-59 lead, but the Lions answered back with a 10-0 scoring run of their own to take a 66-69 lead over FIU with 1:09 remaining.

The Panthers were able to stave off the Lions' attempt at a comeback thanks to Emerald Ekpiteta, who scored a big bucket on a driving layup and was fouled for the and-one opportunity. Ekpiteta converted at the free throw line to put FIU up by a score of 70-69 with 20 seconds to play, before Gonzalez sealed the victory with two clutch free throws on the Panthers' final possession.

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. Tip off 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.