MIAMI – FIU women's basketball dropped their contest to Liberty on Saturday afternoon at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, 73-57.

Despite a strong fight from the Panthers, Liberty shot 60.9% from the field and 63.6% from three-point range in the first half to take an early lead that they never relinquished.

The Flames got off to a blistering start in the first quarter, shooting 69.2% from the field and 83.3% from three, scoring 24 points in the opening frame. FIU battled, scoring 16 points and hitting two three-pointers.

Liberty continued to play well in the second quarter, adding 15 points while shooting 50% from the field. The Panthers trailed 39-25 at halftime.

The third quarter saw both teams battling hard, with Liberty scoring 19 points to FIU's 17. Junior Parris Atkins led the Panthers with nine points in the quarter. She finished the game as FIU's top scorer, contributing 15 points on 4-7 shooting and a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw line. She also added three rebounds and five steals. Heading into the final frame, Liberty led 58-42.

FIU fought hard in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points on 4-9 shooting, but was unable to close the gap, resulting in their eighth conference loss of the season.

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

Aaliyah Pitts was the only other Panther to score in double figures, contributing 11 points on 4-8 shooting, including 2-3 from beyond the arc. The guard also grabbed 10 rebounds, recording her second double-double of the season.

UP NEXT
The Panthers' will travel to Kennesaw to take on CUSA newcomer Kennesaw State on Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m.

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