HOUSTON, Texas (Feb. 19, 2022) - The FIU women's basketball team slipped in a close contest against Rice on Saturday afternoon, with the Panthers falling in the end by a score of 67-73 at the Tudor Fieldhouse.

FIU's record now stands at 12-12 on the season and 4-9 in Conference USA. Rice improved its record to 9-11 overall (4-8 C-USA).
 
Two Panthers scored in double-figures as Grace Hunter (19) and Kyla Nelson (18) led the way for FIU offensively. Emerald Ekpiteta grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.

The contest was evenly matched throughout and saw five lead changes between FIU and Rice, with five tied scores along the way. 

After a defensive battle in the opening period, the Panthers tore open a 7-0 run to start the second quarter and tied up the score at 14-14. FIU closed the second quarter on a 10-2 run and pulled ahead of the Owls 28-25 before the intermission. Nelson led FIU with 13 points in the first half.

The Panthers held onto the lead for most of the third period, before Rice was able to seize the advantage with 4:18 remaining in the quarter. Hunter heated up to score 12 of her points in the third frame.

Down 44-47 to start the fourth period, the Panthers battled hard over the last 10 minutes and managed to pull within one point of the Owls on two occasions. The Panthers were within only a point with 4:42 remaining and saw a chance to take the lead, but a 9-0 run by the Owls put things out of reach for FIU as Rice secured a victory at home.

UP NEXT
FIU looks to get back in the win column on Monday, Feb. 21, when the Panthers travel to play Charlotte. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m ET.

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.