MIAMI - FIU women's basketball (8-11, 4-4 CUSA) will face-off against CUSA newcomer Kennesaw State (8-11, 3-5 CUSA) on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
Saturday, Feb. 1st vs Kennesaw State
QUICK FACTS
This will be the first meeting between the two programs since Kennesaw State joined Conference USA, and the first time since 2022 that FIU will play the Owls.
FIU ranks second in Conference USA in field goal percentage (45.7%). The Panthers are also second in offensive rebounds per game (12.8) and first in opponent rebounds per game, allowing just 28.9 rebounds per game. FIU ranks second in the conference and 27th nationally in rebound margin at +7.6.
Senior Isnelle Natabou has been one of the top players in CUSA since conference play began. She has scored in double figures in her last seven games and grabbed four or more offensive rebounds in seven of her last eight contests. Natabou ranks sixth in CUSA in scoring during conference play, averaging 14.6 points per game, and fifth in rebounding with 8.5 rebounds per game. Overall, the Czech Republic native is second in CUSA in offensive rebounding, averaging 4.2 per game, and ranks 16th nationally.
Natabou leads the nation in field goal percentage at 69.8%, and she is third among active players in career field goal percentage at 63.7%.
Junior Parris Atkins ranks fifth in CUSA in scoring with 14.4 points per game this season and fifth in field goal percentage at 46.6%. She is also tied for seventh in steals per game (2.3) and seventh in total steals (42).
During CUSA play, Natabou (70.4%) and Atkins (51.4%) rank first and third, respectively, in field goal percentage.
Aaliyah Pitts had her best offensive performance of the season in the Panthers' last game against Jacksonville State, scoring a game-high 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. The senior also added eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Redshirt freshman Fantasia James had a career-high performance against Jacksonville State, scoring 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. She also recorded three assists, three blocks, and two steals, all career highs.
SCOUTING THE OWLS
Kennesaw State currently sits eighth in Conference USA with a 3-5 record in the conference and an 8-11 overall record this season.Â
The Owls' offense is averaging 63.5 points per game, ranking eighth in the conference, while their defense is allowing 63.9 points per game, which is sixth in C-USA. Kennesaw State is a strong rebounding team, averaging 37.8 rebounds per game, good for fourth in the conference.
Kennesaw State's offense is led by forward Prencis Harden, who is averaging a double-double with 16.3 points per game and 11.3 rebounds per game, ranking second and first in the conference, respectively. She is supported by guard Keyarah Berry, who is second on the team in both scoring (12 points per game) and rebounding (6.3 rebounds per game).
FIU is looking to secure its first win over Kennesaw State since the Owls joined Conference USA. The Panthers have won both of their previous matchups with KSU.
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 @FIUSportson Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
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