MIAMI – Rhema Collins records her third double-double in as many games as she led FIU to a victory over Youngstown State, 78-61, the Panthers' fifth win in a row.

The Panthers were hot from the start, taking the lead with 5:04 left to play in the first quarter and would not relinquish for the rest of the contest. Junior Rhema Collins, led the Panthers all day, scoring FIU's first seven points and ending the game with a game-high 28 points, adding on 12 rebounds, two blocks and a career-high four steals.

The double-double was the Bahamas native's sixth of the season, and third in a row. It is the first time an FIU player has notched three double-doubles in a row since Ce'Nara Skanes did it the last three games of the 2018-19 season.

The Panthers' offense continued to roll into the half, out-scoring the Penguins 17-11 in the second frame and taking a 40-26 lead into the break.

FIU held onto it's lead throughout the second half, out-scoring YSU 38-35 in the final 20 minutes and starting the season a perfect 5-0 at home. It is the best start to a season at home since the 1997-98 campaign when the Panthers went 29-2 on the year and did not lose a game until their 12th contest.

Two other Panthers in senior Parris Atkins and junior Denika Lightbourne ended the game in double-digit scoring, both of which finishing with 12 points. Atkins, who has scored in double-digits in all eight of her games played, added on seven rebounds, one assist and one steal to her line. Lightbourne scored her 12 on an efficient 6-10 from the field, and added on four rebounds, while notching one assist.

FIU won the game within the game as well, beating the Penguins in points off turnovers (18-8), rebounds (46-34), second-chance points (12-3) and dominating points in the paint (52-24).

UP NEXT
The Panthers will play their second game this season against Florida Atlantic on the second day of the FIU Holiday Classic on December 20 at 11 a.m., to be broadcasted on ESPN+.

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.