HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Second-seeded women's basketball (20-11, 12-6 CUSA) finishes their time at the 2026 CUSA Basketball Championships with a loss against sixth-seeded Missouri State (21-12, 11-7), 74-69.

Missouri State came out firing in the first quarter, ending the opening frame up 18-8. The Panther offense showed life in the second quarter, out-scoring the Bears 20-18, but headed into the half down 36-28.

Missouri State kept their foot on the gas in the third, scoring 18 points to FIU's 16, heading into the fourth quarter at 54-44. Rhema Collins shined in the contest, putting up 11 of FIU's 16 third-quarter points. 

Down 15 with 6:42 to go in the fourth quarter, FIU clawed its way back, going on a 19-6 run to cut the Missouri State lead to just one with 36 seconds left. After a foul and subsequent free throws to give the Bears a three-point lead, Parris Atkins had a chance to tie the game with just 15 seconds left, but was unable to convert the triple, sending the Panthers home in the semifinals of the tournament. 

Rhema Collins ended as the Panthers' highest scorer with 26 on the night, with 20 of her points coming in the second half. The CUSA Player of the Year added on seven rebounds and four steals to round out her performance.

Senior Parris Atkins was a sparkplug for FIU, using 20 second-half points to end with 24. The standout guard was everywhere for the Panthers, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out five assists and taking away five steals. 

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