BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky (Jan. 22, 2022) - The FIU women's basketball team hung in closely with a hot WKU squad on the road on Saturday afternoon, but a tough fourth quarter caused the Panthers to fall in the end by a score of 66-87.

FIU's record now stands at 9-7 on the season and 1-4 in C-USA, while the Hilltoppers improved to 14-4 overall and a perfect 7-0 in the league.

The Panthers sank 10 threes in the contest and connected on 44 percent of attempts from beyond the arc.

Grace Hunter scored a team-high 11 points, while Raquel Ferrer-Bernad chipped in with 10.

On the defensive end, FIU forced 21 WKU turnovers while collecting nine steals.

Both teams came out shooting hot and combined for eight three pointers in the first 10 minutes of play, with FIU shooting 4-for-6 from long-range in the opening period.

The Panthers trailed the Hilltoppers 30-45 at the half but FIU came back with a strong third quarter, outscoring WKU 20-11 in the frame. The Hilltoppers shot a poor 25 percent from the floor and gave up seven turnovers to the Panther defense in the period, while the FIU offense bullied WKU in the paint by a margin of 12-4 points.

FIU was in reach entering the fourth quarter trailing only by six points at 50-56, but a strong run by WKU to open the period gave the Panthers an uphill climb the rest of the way against one of the top teams in C-USA.

Tanajah Hayes dished a game-high five assists in the contest, while Emerald Ekpiteta grabbed a team-high six boards. Zaida Gonzalez led FIU with three steals.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers return to the Ocean Bank Convocation Center next Thursday, Jan. 27, for a battle against UTSA. Game time against the Roadrunners is slated for 7 p.m. ET.

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

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