MIAMI – FIU women's basketball suffered their first home conference loss of the season on Saturday night, falling to New Mexico State 65-55.

The Panthers played hard throughout the game, but a 19-5 run by New Mexico State in the opening 6:54 proved to be too much for FIU to overcome.

The Aggies were hot from the start, shooting 50% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range in the first quarter. FIU struggled to find their rhythm offensively and ended the quarter trailing 21-11.

In the second quarter, the Panthers' defense held strong, limiting New Mexico State to just 12 points on 35.7% shooting. FIU outscored the Aggies 14-12 in the quarter and dominated the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds to New Mexico State's 7. However, the Panthers went into the halftime break trailing, 33-25.

FIU continued to fight in the third quarter but couldn't close the gap. The Panthers scored 15 points, while the Aggies managed 17. Senior Isnelle Natabou was a standout, scoring seven points in the quarter and finishing with a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double, her seventh 20-point game and fifth double-double of the season.

Both teams scored 15 points in the final quarter, sealing FIU's seventh loss in conference play.

Senior Aaliyah Pitts contributed in multiple areas, finishing with nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists. The Panthers also played well inside, outscoring the Aggies 28-22 in points in the paint.

UP NEXT
The Panthers' next matchup will come against Liberty at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m.

TICKETS
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