MIAMI (Jan. 27, 2022) - The FIU women's basketball team secured a huge blowout victory at home, as the Panthers routed UTSA by a score of 81-53.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 10-7 overall (2-4 C-USA) and 8-4 at home. UTSA fell to 4-15 and 1-7 in the league.

Ariel Colon led the way for FIU with 18 points, while Kyla Nelson (15) and Grace Hunter (12) also scored in double digits.

The Panthers splashed 11 treys in the game on a spicy 48 percent shooting from beyond the arc. FIU has now sank at least 10 3-pointers in seven games this season.

FIU's defense sparked much of its offense, as the Panthers forced 23 turnovers and scored 26 points off the UTSA mishaps. The Panthers also collected 18 points on the fast break.

The Blue & Gold sank four treys in the opening half while Kyla Nelson scored 12 points before the intermission to lead FIU.

Up 30-22 at the half, the Panthers exploded in the third quarter and outscored UTSA 27-10 in the period to pull away. FIU played to its identity and dug in defensively to hold UTSA to a lowly 33 percent shooting in the quarter. The Blue & Gold fastbreak overwhelmed the Roadrunners in the period as the Panther defense forced seven turnovers and converted them into 10 points on the other end.

FIU kept its foot on the gas in the fourth quarter and never let up against UTSA. The Panthers saw their largest lead of 29 points (81-52) with 1:15 remaining the contest, as the Blue & Gold played until the final whistle to claim the blowout victory.

Colon scored 11 of her points in the second half and cooked for eight in the fourth quarter.

Maria Torres was a glove defensively, recording five blocks for the second time this season.

Tanajah Hayes dished a game-high eight dimes and continues to lead FIU in the category.

UP NEXT
The Panthers are back in action this Saturday, Jan. 29, for another C-USA showdown against UTEP. Tip-off against the Miners is slated for Noon ET at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

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.