MIAMI (Jan. 3, 2022) - FIU women's hoops won it's second straight contest over Ave Maria on Monday afternoon, as the Panthers dominated the Gyrenes by a 40-point margin of 93-53 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center (OBCC).

With the win, FIU's record improved to 8-3 on the season and 6-2 at the OBCC. 

The 40-point lead eclipsed FIU's previous season-high victory margin (25) which was set against the Gyrenes last Saturday (Jan. 1).

FIU splashed 11 three-pointers on Monday, marking the sixth time this season that the Panthers have made at least nine-or-more treys in a game.

Kyla Nelson led the way for FIU with a season-high and game-high 26 points. Nelson knocked down a season-high six treys on a scorching 67 percent shooting from beyond the arc while firing 77 percent from the field.

Emerald Ekpiteta scored 17 points of her own, marking the fifth-year forward's second-highest output of the season. Ekpiteta also grabbed eight rebounds.

Leading 33-24 at halftime, the Panthers rode a hot second half in which they outscored the Gyrenes 60-29 to help FIU secure its largest margin of victory this season.

Nelson was cooking offensively in the third period, scoring 17 of her 26 points while knocking down five treys to help FIU pull away from the Gyrenes.

Entering the fourth quarter with a 63-44 lead, the FIU defense held AMU to an icy cold 16 percent shooting in the final 10 minutes on 3-for-18 from the field. The Panthers held the Gyrenes to only nine points in the fourth quarter while FIU scored 30 more points to put a decisive stamp on the victory.

Maria Torres logged a season-high 12 points in the contest while posting two blocks and two steals on the defensive end. 

Freshman guard Tanajah Hayes had an all-around impact once again as the Panther led the game with nine rebounds and five steals, while also contributing four assists and three points.

Ariel Colón chipped in with 10 points of her own.

The Panther defense recorded a season-high six blocks on the afternoon while nabbing 17 steals.

OTHER GAME NOTES
After holding Ave Maria to 53 points in back-to-back games, the Panthers have now held their opponents to 60 points-or-less in 8-of-11 games this season

Four different Panthers scored in double-digits against AMU on Monday, marking the sixth time this season that FIU has accomplished the feat. The Blue & Gold have had four double-digit scorers for three straight games.

Point guard Raquel Ferrer-Bernad recorded a game-high five assists.

FIU slashed for 42 points in the paint to compliment the Panthers' hot outside shooting.

The Panthers generated extra opportunities on the offensive end with 17 offensive rebounds and 20 second-chance points. 

The Blue & Gold also scored 37 points off turnovers after forcing 34 from the Gyrenes.

UP NEXT
FIU is set to open Conference USA play at home this Saturday, Jan. 8, against WKU. Tip-off against the Hilltoppers is slated for 12 p.m. ET from the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

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

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