MIAMI – FIU women's basketball (7-5, 0-1 CUSA) dropped its first Conference USA game of the season to Missouri State (9-5, 1-0 CUSA) on Sunday afternoon, falling 80-69.

The contest was tightly played throughout the first half. Missouri State held the early edge, leading 17-11 after the opening quarter, before the Panthers responded with a strong second frame to take a 32-27 lead into halftime.

The Bears seized control in the third quarter with a high-scoring surge, building a 58-48 advantage heading into the final period. Missouri State maintained its momentum in the fourth, holding off FIU to hand the Panthers their first loss of the new year.

Senior Parris Atkins delivered the best offensive performance of her career, pouring in a career-high 35 points on 13-of-25 shooting. She also contributed five assists and five steals to cap an explosive all-around effort.

Judit Valero was the only other Panther to reach double figures, finishing with 11 points while knocking down three three-pointers. The junior added four rebounds, one block, and one steal to round out her afternoon.

FIU finished the game with fewer turnovers than Missouri State (23-15) and held advantages in points off turnovers (19-14) and second-chance points (10-6).

UP NEXT

The Panthers will have a chance to bounce back next week when they take on Jacksonville State at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center on January 8 at 7 p.m.

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