MIAMI - FIU women's basketball will play host to the FIU Christmas Classic this week, welcoming Hampton, Miami (OH) and George Washington to the Ocean Bank Convocation Center for the two-day event. The Panthers will play Hampton on December 20 at 12 p.m., and Miami (OH) on December 21, again at 12 p.m.

Friday, December 20th vs Hampton

• Time/Site: 12 p.m. / Ocean Bank Convocation Center

• Series History: First meeting

Saturday, December 21st vs Miami (OH)

• Time/Site: 12 p.m. / Ocean Bank Convocation Center

• Series History: FIU leads 1-0

The Panthers are coming off a loss to University of Texas - Arlington on December 16, 72-56.

Junior Angena Belloso led the scoring in the first quarter with all nine of the Panthers' points in the opening frame. The guard would go on to end in double-digit points for the fourth consecutive time this season with 13 points to go along with three rebounds and seven assists, the latter of which tied a season-high. 

FIU went into the next quarter down 15-9, but could not pull closer before the half, going into the break with a 34-26 deficit. The next half saw the Mavericks continue to extend their lead, leading to Panthers' sixth loss of the young season.

Senior Isnelle Natabou led the game in scoring with 22 points on an extremely efficient 10-11 shooting. The center added seven rebounds and one steal to her line to round out a good night for the Czech Republic-native.

FIU out-rebounded UTA 37-33, and their 17 offensive rebounds led to 14 second-chance, both of which led the opposition. The Panthers saw great production from their second unit, leading the Mavericks 30-22. 

SCOUTING THE PIRATES

A member of the Colonial Athletic Conference (CAA), the Pirates are coming into the matchup with a 3-6 overall record, their best win of the season coming in a 76-74 overtime victory against Georgia. 

Hampton is sixth in the CAA in scoring with 59 points per game, led by graduate student Jasha Clinton with 14 points per game, sixth in the conference. The Pirates are 13th in the conference in defense, allowing 70.6 points per game.

This will be the first meeting between the two programs.

SCOUTING THE REDHAWKS

Miami (OH) has started off the season well with a 5-3 overall record fourth in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). They are fifth in scoring at 69 points per game so far this season, while coming in second in defense, allowing just 56.8 points per game. 

The Redhawks' leading scorer is sophomore Enjulina Gonzalez, who is fifth in the MAC in scoring at 14.4 points per game. Fellow sophomore Amber Tretter is second on the team in scoring with 11.1 points per game. The forward is leading the team in rebounding with 7.3 per game, sixth in the MAC so far this season.

This will be just the second time the two team face off in their respective histories, the first coming in an 82-60 victory on 12/31/1986.

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.