MIAMI – FIU women's basketball dropped a close game to Kennesaw State on Thursday night, losing 53-50.
Down by as many as 11 points in the third quarter, FIU mounted a 15-3 run to take the lead heading into the fourth. However, a late and-one bucket from Kennesaw State with just eight seconds left sealed the win for the Owls and handed FIU their third consecutive loss.
The game began as a gritty, defensive battle, with neither team shooting better than 40% in the opening period. FIU held KSU to 38% shooting and just 17% from three, but still found themselves trailing 13-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw continued struggles for both teams offensively. Kennesaw State outscored FIU 11-9, and the Panthers went into halftime down by six, 24-18.
FIU came alive in the third quarter, with a strong offensive surge that saw them take a 39-38 lead into the final frame. Senior Isnelle Natabou led the charge with seven points in the quarter, finishing the game with 15 points and nine rebounds.
The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth affair. Kennesaw State held a 50-47 lead when junior Parris Atkins hit a clutch three-pointer with 1:36 remaining to tie the game at 50. The score remained tied until Kennesaw State converted an and-one layup to take a three-point lead with eight seconds left in the game. FIU had a chance to tie it in the final seconds, but couldn't convert, and KSU held on for the win.
In addition to Natabou's performance, two other Panthers finished in double figures. Senior Bineta Diatta scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Atkins added 10 points, four rebounds, and four steals.
UP NEXT
FIU will stay on the road and play at Jacksonville State on Saturday, March 1 at 1 p.m.
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