News Summary
The FIU Panthers celebrated their first conference victory of the season with a narrow 80-79 win against Western Kentucky on January 4, 2025. After a rocky start, the Panthers rallied to take control of the game, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. Standout performances from Angena Belloso and Parris Atkins, both scoring 23 points, were crucial to the team’s success. With this victory, FIU looks to maintain momentum as they prepare to face Louisiana Tech on January 9.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Panthers Roar to First Conference Victory!
In an exhilarating showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the FIU Panthers managed to clinch their first conference victory of the season with a nail-biting 80-79 win over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on January 4, 2025. Marking the first triumph of the New Year, the Panthers showcased a fierce determination that was simply impossible to overlook.
First Quarter Follies
The game got off to a rocky start for FIU as Western Kentucky sprinted ahead with a quick 21-10 lead in the opening five minutes, putting the Panthers in a bit of a bind. However, FIU quickly found their rhythm and fashioned a superb response, wrapping up the first quarter with an 11-5 run to draw closer, ending the period at 26-21.
It was a collective effort with five Panthers putting points on the board in that quarter, but it was Angena Belloso who led the charge, contributing six points. Her night was just getting started, as she would soon embark on a performance unlike any other.
Stepping Up the Game
When the second quarter arrived, the Panthers’ defense cranked up a notch, holding WKU to a mere 27.8% shooting percentage. FIU, on the other hand, dazzled on offense, netting an astounding 81.8% and racking up 23 points to take a modest lead into halftime at 44-39.
A Defensive Dominance
The intensity didn’t let up in the third quarter, where both teams were battling hard for points. FIU scored 19 points while Western Kentucky could only muster 16 points during that stretch. The real story, however, was the way the Panthers controlled the boards—dominating rebounds 12-4 in the quarter and leading 44-20 in total rebounds for the game. With a healthy 63-55 lead heading into the final frame, the Panthers were feeling good.
A Tense Final Stretch
A Night of Career-Highs
Two standout players stole the spotlight—both Angena Belloso and Parris Atkins rejected their previous bests to each drop an impressive 23 points. Belloso dazzled by shooting 8-11 from the field and snagged eight assists and six rebounds, proving she was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Atkins shone bright as well, hitting 10-13 from the floor and matching her career-best with nine rebounds.
Additionally, former WKU player Aaliyah Pitts made quite an impact, contributing 12 points on just 4-5 shooting and gracefully gliding to her second double-double with 12 rebounds. Isnelle Natabou rounded out the effort with a commendable 10 points and eight rebounds to boot.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, FIU has their sights set on a new challenge as they prepare to take on Louisiana Tech on January 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup awaits at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center as the Panthers look to carry their newfound momentum into the next battle!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FIU Women’s Basketball Achieves First Conference Win
FIU Women’s Basketball Starts 2025 with Thrilling Victory
Exciting Volleyball Showdown: WKU Triumphs Over FIU in Thrilling Matchup
Bowling Green’s Volleyball Showdown: A Night of Intensity and Triumph
Miami Thrills as WKU Volleyball Completes Stunning Sweep
Miami Volleyball Team Falls Short in Thrilling Five-Set Duel Against Western Kentucky
Additional Resources
- FIU Sports
- Wikipedia: Women’s Basketball
- WKU Sports
- Google Search: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball
- WKU Sports
- Google Scholar: FIU Panthers basketball
- WKU Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- WKU Sports
- Google News: FIU Panthers basketball
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
