MIAMI — FIU's women's basketball program fell 76-73 to Abilene Christian in non-conference action on Friday night inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Panthers (1-1) had a chance for a few game-tying three-pointers in the final seconds, but the Wildcats (2-0) held off FIU for a three-point victory. Newcomer Parris Atkins led the Panther offense with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field and added six rebounds and two steals in 29 minutes.

Tanajah Hayes poured in 17 points and had a career-high nine steals and five assists in a team-high 36 minutes. Bineta Diatta and Angena Belloso were also in double-figurres with 12 points each.  

Judit Valero Rodriguez scored 10 points off the bench. Aaliyah Pitts grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds and added four assists. 

FIU had a lot of success offensively in the paint, outscoring ACU 38-22 inside. 

The Panthers trailed 37-30 at halftime, but chipped into their deficit in the third quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 22-17. FIU continued to surge early in the fourth quarter as Hayes knocked down a three to put the Panthers ahead 55-54 to start the fourth. 

Diatta finished a layup with 5:34 to go to give FIU a seven-point lead, up 65-58. The Wildcats made three critical threes down the stretch to climb back in, taking the lead with 49 seconds to go. 

Atkins hit two free throws with two seconds left to pull back within one, but ACU knocked down two of its own to seal the victory. 

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FIU hosts Jacksonville on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.