Panthers Turnover Round Two vs Wildcats

FIU traveled to Texas today to face ACU in round two of the WNIT. An electric win in round 1 vs Stetson, the Panthers were attempting to make history tonight. A win would mark the farthest the program has gone in any of its WNIT appearances. With the Wildcats having won the last two matchups, the Panthers faced an uphill battle in what turned out to be a highly intense game.

Panthers Down Two Early

Fantasia James with 6 points, 1 block and 1 steal already tonight 🔥 #FIU #FIUHoops #Sportswithseb

pic.twitter.com/6ETOILtH4k

— SportswithSeb🏀🏈 (@Sportswithseb) March 24, 2026

Once the opening tip was underway, this game was off to a fast and hot start. FIU started the game with an 8-2 run, asserting early dominance in the paint. But the Wildcats would respond and go on a 10-2 run to take the lead. The first quarter buzzer sounded with a 19-19 score and early signs of a nailbiter.

ACU had another huge first-half run to get ahead by five with a few minutes to go before half. FIU quickly needed to change course and make a run, looking to several Panthers for an offensive spark. Fantasia, Judit, and Rhema all would catch fire, scoring eight or more points for the Panthers at the half. We saw FIU take advantage down low, scoring 20 of their 32 points in the paint to cut the lead to two.

FIU Cannot Hold It Down

FIU has 18 turnovers after 3 quarters down by just 3 vs ACU 🏀

If they can’t get to the line and slow this game down or make some 3’s this can get out of hand…#FIU #FIUHoops #Sportswithseb pic.twitter.com/tdsDqdAcj4

— SportswithSeb🏀🏈 (@Sportswithseb) March 25, 2026

For the third-ranked team in the country in free throws attempted, FIU shot just six times by the end of the half. With ACU controlling the pace, the Panthers needed to slow things down. Finally getting to the line, shooting seven free throws in the third quarter alone. However, the 18 turnovers for the Panthers are why they trailed by three entering the fourth.

The Wildcats took advantage of every opportunity tonight, whether it was from behind the arc or scoring off turnovers. When a team shoots 12/27 from three and forces 23 turnovers, their chances of advancing are through the roof. ACU controlled the pace, made their shots, and forced turnovers, and after a rough start, easily flipped the script. The Panthers turnover round two to the Wildcats, who will now face Illinois State in the next round.

For FIU, tonight was not their best performance. Tying a season high in turnovers, shooting 2/10 from three, and not getting to the line were all factors tonight. Rhema and Fantasia combined for 40 of the teams 66 points shooting 15/21. Scoring the ball was not a problem vs ACU as we saw great performances tonight from both players.

End of The Season

Despite FIU finishing its season with a second-round loss to ACU, there is a silver lining. With this loss and coming in second for C-USA, the ladies will carry a chip on their shoulder, ready to take first place in C-USA and a NCAA tournament berth. With just two senior graduates, FIU could see a lot of familiarity next season, and can use this as a stepping stone for a deeper run next year.

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