LYNCHBURG, Va. – Rhema Collins notched her tenth double-double of the season as the Panthers (12-7, 5-3 CUSA) win their first ever contest on the road at Liberty (9-10, 3-5 CUSA), 74-61.

The Panthers were hot from the jump, starting the game on an 11-3 run over the first 6:36 of the contest, ending the opening frame on top, 15-10. FIU kept the same intensity into the half, finishing the first 20 minutes up 30-25. 

Junior Judit Valero led the way with nine first half points, ending the contest with 12 points, going 3-6 from three while adding on five rebounds. 

Out of the break, the Panthers' offense came alive, putting up 21 in the third quarter, with junior Rhema Collins putting much of the scoring effort on her shoulders. The Bahamas native had eight points in the frame, ending the contest with a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds, securing her CUSA-leading tenth double-double of the season. The guard added onto the defensive effort as well, taking away a team-leading four steals.

The Panthers once again sealed the game at the free-throw line, with Grecia Ferrer Leal scoring all eight of her points from the charity stripe, going 8-8 from the line over the final 1:23 of the game.

Parris Atkins was the final Panther to put up double-digits, ending second on the team with 17 points, also dishing out a team-high five assists, while adding on two steals.

FIU forced 21 turnovers, converting 25 points off turnovers. The Panthers grabbed 15 offensive rebounds to the Flames' nine, putting up 15 second chance points as a result. FIU dominated the paint all game, outlasting Liberty in rebounding (38-31) and points in the paint (30-22). 

This is the first time in program history FIU beat Liberty on the road, also breaking a three-game losing streak to the Flames.

UP NEXT
The Panthers will stay on the road when they face CUSA-newcomer Delaware on Sunday, February 1 at 4 p.m.

TICKETS
For more information on FIU tickets to FIU basketball home games, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit HERE. 

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