MIAMI - Women's basketball (20-11) will host the first round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center against Stetson on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m.

The winner of the game will advance to the second round to take on Abilene Christian.

Friday, March 20 vs Stetson

• Time/Site: 7 p.m.  / Ocean Bank Convocation Center

• Series History: FIU leads, 30-4

The Inbound

The Panthers are coming off a CUSA Basketball Championships that saw FIU make it to the semifinals for the first time since the 2013-14 season, going into the tournament as the two-seed which was the highest seeding for the Panthers since joining CUSA.

FIU standout Rhema Collins and Parris Atkins both excelled in conference-play, with Collins' performance earning her both CUSA Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. The guard was also placed on First Team All-CUSA and the CUSA All-Defensive Team.

Parris Atkins was also placed on both First Team All-CUSA and the CUSA All-Defensive Team. The guard was a force in the tournament as well, averaging 23.5 points per game, 6 rebounds per game, 4.5 assists per game and 3 steals per game in her two contests played. Her performance earned her a spot on the CUSA All-Tournament Team, the first ever Panther to receive the honor.

Notable Storylines

- This is the ninth time in program history FIU will be in the WNIT, with a 6-9 record overall in the tournament.

- This is also the second time in three seasons FIU will play in the WNIT, with the Panthers going 1-1 in the tournament last season.

- The Panthers are undefeated against Stetson in the Women's National Invitation Tournament. This will be the second WNIT berth in a row FIU will play Stetson in the first round, and the third time in program history playing the Hatters in the WNIT. 

Series History

The Panthers come into the matchup dominating in the series history with a 30-4 record all-time against the Hatters. FIU is currently on a 22-game winning streak over Stetson, with their last loss coming in 1990.

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 @FIUSportson Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.