Birmingham, Ala. – Senior guard Kaliah Henderson recorded a new career high 25 points off the bench to lead the FIU Women's Basketball team to a 91-89 victory over the UAB Blazers (9-4, 1-3 C-USA) Saturday afternoon at Bartow Arena.
 
It was an all-out team effort in this high scoring affair as every single player on the roster scored and five Panthers reached double figures in points. The win over the Blazers improves FIU's overall record to 8-5 and 3-1 in Conference USA action while extending their win streak to four games.
 
This is the third straight game where Henderson leads the Panthers in scoring, all coming off the bench. The Panthers' second unit has been a huge lift during the road trip. After scoring 52 points at Charlotte Thursday night, FIU's reserves matched that mark against UAB outscoring the Blazers bench 52-19.
 
FIU was not having much success from behind the arc shooting 25.9% (7-27), but what helped them have the lead 73.1% of the game was their tenacious defense. The Panthers recorded 14 steals and forced 19 turnovers for 19 points. The 14 steals led to scoring opportunities out on the break. The Panthers had 17 fast break points compared to eight by UAB.
 
Another factor that helped FIU in the win was the difference in rebounding. They outrebounded the Blazers 48-37 overall and 24-6 on the offensive glass. The 24 offensive rebounds led to 26 second chance points for the Panthers.

In the first half, neither team was able to gain a large lead as FIU entered halftime leading by six points (47-41). FIU created some separation in the third quarter and had a 12-point lead entering the fourth.That grew to 16 at the 7:47 mark but the Blazers responded with a 19-9 run and the Panthers' lead dwindled to 83-77 with less than two minutes remaining in the contest. FIU weathered the Blazers' late comeback attempt with clutch free throw shooting and issued UAB their first loss at home this season.

Sophomore guard Tanajah Hayes earned the start in today's game after scoring 17 points off the bench at Charlotte. She followed up that performance with an all-around game and led all FIU starters with 15 points. She also led the team in rebounds (6), steals (4), and assists (5).
 
Redshirt freshman Sifa Joyeuse bounced back from a tough performance last game with 13 points, three rebounds, and two steals. Sophomore guard Zaida Gonzalez had another strong outing off the bench with 11 points shooting 7-8 from the free throw line.
 
Junior shooting guard Sariana Rodriguez Camacho did majority of her damage from behind the arc. She was a huge scoring boost in the third and fourth quarter as nine of her 11 points came in the second half in which she shot 3-5 from three-point range.
 
This is the third game in a row where at least four Panthers recorded double digit points. Coach Jesyka-Burks Riley continues to make tremendous strides in FIU as the 3-1 C-USA record is the best start for the program in conference play since the 2011-2012 season.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers return home next week to the Ocean Bank Convocation Center for two games starting off with a Wednesday (Jan.11) night showdown against in-state rival Florida Atlantic University. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ESPN+. FIU will then welcome Western Kentucky University on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. and the matchup will also be aired through ESPN+.
 
TICKETS
For more information on FIU tickets to FIU basketball home games, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit HERE
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@fiuwbb), Twitter (@FIUWBB), and Facebook (@FIUWBasketball) for all the latest Women's Basketball news. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.