HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The FIU women's basketball team suffered a 66-54 loss to Sam Houston on Thursday evening, falling to 5-5 in conference play.
The Panthers kept the game competitive throughout, but a late 9-2 run by the Bearkats in the fourth quarter ultimately sealed the victory for the home team.
The first quarter was a gritty battle, with both teams tied at 11 by the end of the period. FIU's defense was strong early on, limiting the Bearkats to 28.6% shooting and forcing six turnovers. Senior Bineta Diatta led the Panthers in the opening frame, scoring five points. She finished with 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting, setting a career high with eight made free throws. Diatta also contributed six rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
In the second quarter, six Panthers found their scoring as FIU shot 54.5% from the field. However, Sam Houston managed to take a 31-25 lead into the halftime break.
FIU's offense came alive in the third quarter, posting 21 points on 4-of-5 shooting and a season-high 12-of-15 from the free-throw line. Despite the Panthers' improved second-half offense, the Bearkats shot 46.7% from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range. FIU entered the final quarter trailing, 53-46.
The Panthers made a push in the fourth, cutting the lead to as little as five points with seven minutes remaining. However, they were unable to complete the comeback, dropping their seventh road game of the season.
Senior Isnelle Natabou was the only other Panther to score in double-digits, ending with 16 points and 16 rebounds, marking her second double-double in the last three games and fourth of the season.
FIU dominated the rebound battle, 36-25, and outscored Sam Houston 30-28 in the paint.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will head to Louisiana Tech for a bout against the Lady Techsters on Saturday, February 8th at 4:00 p.m. ET.
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