Frisco, Texas – Senior guard Kaliah Henderson recorded a career high 31 points on 8 -22 shooting from the field and was 15-16 from the foul line, though, the FIU Women's Basketball team fell short to the Charlotte 49ers, 72-59, in the opening round of the Conference USA Tournament at the Ford Center at the Star Wednesday afternoon.
 
The loss eliminates FIU from the tournament while the 49ers move on to the quarterfinals tomorrow to face the No.1 seed, Middle Tennessee State University.
 
Henderson came off the bench for the Panthers and led all players in scoring. Her 16 free throw attempts also established a new career high. The senior capped off the season by extending her streak of scoring double digit points to 16 straight games and 19 of the last 20.
 
Three Panthers were tied for second in scoring with six points: Maria Torres, Hope Butera, and Mihaela Lazic. Butera paced the Panthers with eight rebounds while Torres and Lazic were second on the team with five boards.

FIU shot 37 percent from the field (19-52) and 87 percent (20-23) from the free throw line. Although the Panthers bench outscored Charlotte's second unit 39-14, turnovers ultimately were the difference as the 49ers scored 21 points off 19 FIU turnovers.
 
Charlotte finished with four players in double figures led by Dazia Lawrence with 27 points. The redshirt sophomore also led the 49ers with five rebounds and four assists. Mya McGraw was second on the 49ers with 13 points while Jada McMillian and Aylesha Wade each finished with 12 points.

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.