MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Women's basketball fell to Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro on Thursday evening in their opening matchup of conference play, 69-38.

The teams battled in the opening frame, with FIU taking an early 3-2 lead before a 10-0 MTSU run put the Blue Raiders ahead for good. The first quarter ended with an 19-11 Panthers deficit.

The second quarter saw FIU play its best defense of the game, giving up just 11 points to an MTSU offense that is highlighted by three top-5 scorers in CUSA. The first half ended with the Blue Raiders retaining their lead, 30-19.

MTSU started to pull away in the second half, scoring 17 in the third and 22 in the fourth to put the game away late.

FIU was led by senior Isnelle Natabou and sophomore Fantasia James with eight points apiece. The Czech Republic-native Natabou added seven rebounds to her line, while James tacked on five rebounds and one steal. 

The Panthers led the total rebound battle 31-30, and the offensive rebound battle, 13-8. The second unit was also a factor for FIU, leading in bench points 16-11 in the match.

UP NEXT
FIU will look to bounce back against Western Kentucky on Saturday, January 4 at 3 p.m. ET.

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 @FIUAthletics on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.