Panthers Knocked Out Of CUSA Tournament By Missouri State

One of the most successful seasons in the Jesyka Burks-Wiley era is likely over, as FIU Women’s Basketball was eliminated from the CUSA Tournament by the Missouri State Bears, 74-69.

When the Panthers took down Jacksonville State, they took on the winner of Missouri State vs Middle Tennessee. Had MTSU won, FIU would have taken on a team they swept in the regular season. Instead, they were matched up against the Bears, who swept the Panthers, and their struggles against Mo State continued.

For example, their aggressive offense came out firing early, going on an 18-8 run to start the game. FIU had to rally in the second quarter to bring the game back, but were still down 36-28 at halftime.

A Valiant Comeback In The Second Half

The third quarter went in favor of Missouri State, who kept their foot on the gas pedal. They edged out the Panthers scoring-wise, creating a make-or-break fourth quarter. FIU needed a run late in the game, but thankfully, they got just that.

With less than seven minutes to go, FIU was down 15. They then had their best run of the game – 19-6 – cutting the Bears’ lead to just a single point with 36 seconds to go. After a foul and a pair of free throws to give Mo State a three-point lead, FIU needed a three-pointer to tie.

ONE POINT GAME pic.twitter.com/W7maLHc30Z

— FIU Women’s Basketball (@FIUWBB) March 14, 2026

With the ball in her hands with 15 seconds to go, Parris Atkins had a chance to tie the game with a shot from beyond the arc, but it didn’t go in.

Despite the final shot not going in. Atkins was still a major factor in the game, scoring 24 points, seven points, five assists, and five steals. She was only outscored by Rhema Collins, who racked up 26 points.

Unless FIU gets invited to a postseason tournament, this might be it for the Panthers this season. They would wrap up with a 20-11 overall record and a 12-6 record in the conference.

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