MIAMI - FIU women's basketball falls to Miami (OH) in its final game of non-conference play, 62-55.

The Redhawks got out to a quick 7-0 lead through the first 4:55 of the first quarter before the Panthers began to battle back with a couple buckets of their own, eventually leading to an 18-7 Miami (OH) advantage at the conclusion of the first quarter.

FIU got a couple points back, beating the Redhawks in the second quarter 16-14, going into the half down 32-23. Lucia Fleta led the way with five points in the frame, ending with eight along with two assists, a block and four steals, the latter of which is a season high for the senior.

The Panthers kept fighting out of the half, once again leading the Redhawks in the quarter 16-14. FIU was down 14 at the 3:46 mark of the third quarter, but exploded for a 9-0 run from the 2:32-0:58 mark in the period. Six players scored as FIU dwindled their deficit to seven heading into the final frame.

Down 46-39 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Panthers kept their hot hand from the end of the third, going on a 7-3 run over the first 5:52 of the frame, cutting their deficit to just three with 4:08 left to play in the game.

The Redhawks would not give up the lead, going on a run of their own and handing the Panthers their seventh loss of the season.

Senior Bineta Diatta led FIU with 13 points on 5-10 shooting, also leading the way with six rebounds. The forward added on two assists and a steal to round out her night. Fellow senior Aaliyah Pitts also ended in double-digits, finishing with 11 as well as five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Junior Parris Atkins ended with 10 points, three rebounds and three steals. She entered today's contest as the CUSA leader in steals. 

UP NEXT
Conference play awaits as the Panthers travel to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to face off against Middle Tennessee to kick off the new year on January 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Blue Raiders were the champions of CUSA last season, going to the NCAA Tournament and beating Louisville in the Round of 64. 

TICKETS
For more information on FIU tickets to FIU basketball home games, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit HERE. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
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