Panthers Come Up Short By Three Points in Loss to Gamecocks

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MIAMI, FL – The Panthers came into the game against the Gamecocks hungry in search of their first CUSA win after Sunday’s bitter loss. Despite both teams having their moments of scoring runs, Jacksonville State dominated this game.

Trailing for most of the game wasn’t pretty for FIU, but they were able to test Jax State at times. Ultimately, the Panthers came up just short by three points in a 70-67 loss to the Gamecocks.

Both Teams Trade Runs in First Half

FIU got off to a hot 7-0 start in the opening 1:29 of the game. Adama Badjie Coly kicked it off by splashing a 3-point jumper. Then, Rhema Collins scored a bucket off a turnover, and afterwards, Coly scored a layup on the fast break.

Jacksonville State, though, got its game on eventually by scoring 13 unanswered points. During this time period, absolutely no shots were going in for FIU. The Gamecocks were successfully able to mount pressure on the Panthers anytime they had the ball.

The first quarter ended in an 18-16 lead for Jacksonville State after FIU was able to finish it by scoring five unanswered.

After settling in the second quarter, the Gamecocks got back into rhythm and picked up a 7-0 run. They then expanded their lead to 10, making it a 36-26 game. The way they were playing, it seemed as if they were starting to get away with this game.

However, FIU fought back with Panther spirit and closed out the quarter on a 9-0 run. Badjie Coly, Denika Lightbourne, Grecia Ferrer Leal, and Rhema Collins each contributed with a basket during this stretch. Jacksonville State entered halftime with a slight 39-38 advantage.

Collins cash at the halftime buzzer 💵 pic.twitter.com/1NQfDFtCl4

— FIU Women’s Basketball (@FIUWBB) January 9, 2026

Turning Point of the Game

The FIU Panthers tied the game at 40 apiece in the third quarter. In the quarter itself, both teams had their fair share of turnovers.

Eventually, Jacksonville State went back to work with a 7-0 lead, making it 47-40 at the 5:25 mark. Rhema Collins and Judith Valero scored for FIU to put them back within three points, but it wasn’t enough.

The Gamecocks got hot again on an 8-0 to pull their lead to 11, a 55-44 game. Again, it seemed as if they were going to start running away with the game for good.

FIU showed, though, that you can never count them out as they closed out the half and started the fourth quarter with eight unanswered points, capped off by a layup from Collins. Just like that, they were down only 55-52.

The block to the bucket 😤 pic.twitter.com/71WN6IOpwb

— FIU Women’s Basketball (@FIUWBB) January 9, 2026

Two straight scores from Lightbourne early on in the final frame put FIU within a couple of points. However, Jacksonville State answered back with a 7-1 run, making it an eight-point 65-57 lead with 4:26 left.

The Panthers responded by scoring seven unanswered, and suddenly the game was only a 65-64 deficit following two consecutive baskets from Denika Lightbourne.

Every time the Panthers threatened, the Gamecocks always found a way back. They were able to expand their lead to 69-64 until Lightbourne scored a clutch 3-point shot to cut the deficit to two.

Nika doing it all! pic.twitter.com/ng7lYIeNdJ

— FIU Women’s Basketball (@FIUWBB) January 9, 2026

After Jacksonville State made just one free throw, FIU had one last chance to tie the game and send it to overtime. However, Judith Valero was unable to shoot a 3-pointer on time.

Jacksonville State’s 11-point lead in the third quarter proved to be the turning point of today’s match.

Observations

The ultimate difference maker in the game was the shooting from behind the arc, which was a disadvantage for FIU. The Gamecocks went 12/26 (46%) while FIU went just 5/18 (28%). In particular, it wasn’t a good day at the office for Valero. The junior finished the game going 0/7 behind the arc.

FIU failed to put up enough pressure while their opponent was attempting these shots. At times, Jacksonville State found itself wide open when it was in these situations.

They also struggled with rebounding. FIU was outrebounded 30-23 on defense, and that also showed to be a problem in the game.

FIU took care of the turnovers, forcing the Gamecocks to 19 and scoring 21 points off of them.

Juniors Led the Way for FIU

Lightbourne finished the game with a career-high of 25 points on 9/13 shooting and a perfect 5/5 at the charity stripe. Collins had a double-double with 15 points and grabbed 11 boards.

Final
Jacksonville State 70 | FIU 67

Despite the loss, Denika Lightbourne was lights out with a career-high of 25 points#FIU | #Panthers | #PawsUp

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) January 9, 2026

Up Next

FIU will take on Kennesaw State at the OBCC at 1 PM, and the game will be shown on ESPN+.

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