EL PASO, Texas – Rhema Collins led the way with another double-double as the Panthers (10-6, 3-2 CUSA) defeated University of Texas at El Paso (9-8, 1-5 CUSA), 67-59, with FIU completing the road trip sweep.
A gritty game from start to finish, the Panthers and Miners clashed point-for-point in the opening 10 minutes, with FIU coming away with a slim 17-16 lead heading into the second quarter. Six Panthers scored in the frame, with guard Denika Lightbourne putting up four points, and ending with 11 points on 5-7 shooting, and adding on three assists.
The defensive battle continued in the second quarter, with FIU putting up 13 points to the Miners' 10, going into the halftime break 30-26.
FIU pulled away out the break, putting up 21 points while holding UTEP to just 13. Guard Judit Valero popped off for eight points and two triples in the frame, ending the contest with 10 points and two rebounds.
FIU sealed the victory at the free-throw line, going 10-13 from the charity stripe in the final quarter and leaving UTEP for potentially the last game between the two longtime conference rivals, with a win.
Guard Rhema Collins led the Panthers with 22 points, gaining most of her scores from the free-throw line with a 14-19 mark from the stripe. CUSA's leader in scoring and rebounding tied a career-high with 16 rebounds, putting up her ninth double-double of the season. The Bahamas native made her presence known on defense as well, ending with three steals and three blocks.
The Panthers saw solid production from their bench, accounting for 17 of the game's points compared to just four from the Miners. FIU also dominated down low, winning the points in the paint battle, 32-22.
"The defensive stand our kids took today was not only impressive but necessary when trying to secure a road win," Head Coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley praised. "You add in the multiple contributions we had off the bench, the last two games shows just how far this team can truly go trusting the process."
This was the first road trip sweep for the Panthers since the 2023-24 season when FIU beat Louisiana Tech and Sam Houston in back-to-back contests.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will return home and welcome Sam Houston to the Ocean Bank Convocation Center on January 22 at 7 p.m.
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.
