FIU women's basketball secured a thrilling overtime victory over Stetson, winning 76-73 in the first round of the WNIT. Rhema Collins made a game-tying shot at the buzzer to force overtime, showcasing her standout performance with a total of 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and four steals. This win marks FIU's second consecutive WNIT appearance and maintains their perfect record against Stetson in tournament play, now at 3-0. The teams were closely matched throughout, ending three quarters in ties, highlighting the competitive nature of the game.

By the Numbers
  • Rhema Collins scored a team-high 24 points and achieved her 14th double-double of the season.
  • FIU improved to 21-11 for the season, while Stetson finished at 20-12.
Yes, But

This victory came in a tightly contested game, with both teams evenly matched, which raises questions about FIU's ability to maintain their winning momentum against stronger opponents in subsequent rounds.

State of Play
  • FIU is set to face Abilene Christian in the next round of the WNIT on March 24 at 7 p.m. ET.
  • The Panthers are aiming to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in program history.
What's Next

Following this overtime victory, FIU hopes to build on their momentum against Abilene Christian, looking to advance further in the WNIT tournament.

Bottom Line

FIU's ability to win in high-pressure situations is indicative of their potential, but they must improve their performance consistency to conquer the upcoming challenges in the WNIT.