MIAMI (Feb. 10, 2022) - The FIU women's basketball team secured a big victory at home against Marshall on Thursday night in thrilling fashion, as the Panthers defeated the Thundering Herd by a score of 70-66.

With the win, FIU improved its record to 12-10 on the year (4-7 Conference USA) and 10-4 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Marshall fell to 11-10 and 6-6 in the league.

FIU's was propelled by an incredible shooting night from Ariel Colon, who cooked for a season-high 31 points on a blazing 14-of-16 attempts from the floor, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.

Kyla Nelson also highlighted the night by knocking down her 200th career 3-pointer at the 5:51 mark of the second quarter.

Four Panthers scored in double figures for FIU, with Emerald Ekpiteta (12), Tanajah Hayes (12), and Grace Hunter (10) all contributing to the offensive output.

In a thrilling game that was decided by only four points, while seeing six lead changes and four tied scores, the Blue & Gold led Marshall for a total time of 36:52.

The Panthers got off to a hot start in the first quarter, going on a 7-0 run to open the contest. FIU saw a lead as large as 13 points during the opening frame and closed the period up 22-12 over Marshall. Colon scored 12 of her points in the first period while going 5-for-5 from the field.

Marshall punched back in the second quarter and managed cut FIU's advantage down to 39-34 at the break.

In the third quarter, the Thundering Herd were able to take the lead twice and tie the game three times, but FIU quickly answered back to pull ahead of Marshall. After the Herd went up 54-53 with 57 seconds remaining in the third period, Colon scored five unanswered points – including an exciting trey in transition with three seconds on the clock – to give FIU a 58-54 lead heading in the fourth quarter.

The final frame saw FIU lead the entire way, but not without one last effort from Marshall to close the gap. With 59 seconds left to play, Marshall pulled within two points of FIU and trailed 63-65. Ekpiteta served up a dagger however on the ensuing Panther possession, as the fifth-year forward scored on a driving layup and drew a foul to convert a three-point play and give FIU a five-point lead. With the Thundering Herd looking to answer, Colon put an exclamation point on her dominant night by blocking a Marshall 3-point attempt on the next play to seal the win or FIU.

Ekpiteta hauled in a game-high nine rebounds, while Hayes led the contest with five assists.

FIU forced 16 Marshall turnovers and scored 20 points off the opportunities.

The Panthers bullied the Thundering Herd in the paint, scoring 26 points down low compared to only 12 from Marshall.

UP NEXT
The Panthers hit the road next week for a three-game stint, beginning with a contest against Middle Tennessee on Thursday, Feb. 17. Game time is set for 7 p.m. ET against the Blue Raiders.

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

SOCIAL MEDIA
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