After registering two straight wins, Florida Atlantic saw it’s run end in a 60-53 loss to FIU on Sunday at FAU Arena. FAU (6-16, 3-8) rallied from a 16-point first half deficit and grabbed its only lead of the game at 38-37 with 13:55 left when a basket by Vontrice Dennis capped a 15-4 run to begin the second half. That lead was short lived as visiting Golden Panthers rattled off the next 10 points to grab a 47-38 advantage with nine minutes remaining. We picked up our intensity and got into a good rhythm in the second half, said Chancellor Dugan, FAUs head womens basketball coach. However, the Owls didnt go down with a fight. They once again chipped away at another FIU lead as junior guard Teri Stamps connected on a 26-foot three-point field goal made it 53-48 with 3:41 left. Then, a free throw by junior April Goins drew the hosts within four points, 53-49, with 3:13 on the clock. FIU secured the league win as Fanni Hutlassa and Michelle Gonzalez hit a pair of free throws in the final minute. In fact, the Golden Panthers went a perfect 11-11 at the free throw line in the game. Senior guard Lyrell Barfield once again led FAU in scoring, with 10 points. The Miami native came off the bench and made two three-point field goals. Dennis chipped in with eight points and four rebounds, freshman guard Takia Brooks added eight second-half points, and junior guard Viviana Penate and junior forward April Goins each scored eight points. Jerica Coley led three double figure scorers for FIU, having a game-high 18 points with four assists, three blocked shots and four steals. Also scoring in double-digits was Finda Mansare and Gonzalez. The Golden Panthers improved to 11-14 for the season and 6-5 in Sun Belt Conference games. The rivals will have a rematch on February 19 at FIU. The team returns to the court on Wednesday against Denver at 9:00 p.m.
