MIAMI, Fla. (Nov. 30, 2022) –  A near 60-point blowout looms heavy on Florida National University's women's basketball team's exhibition match against the Florida International University Panthers. The Conquistadors (2-4, CAC 0-0) came into Wednesday afternoon's contest fresh off a loss to Barry University 65-36 on Nov. 29. The Panthers (3-3, 0-0) were 1-1 in their last two contest coming into their 96-38 win over the Conquistadors. FIU displayed great poise underneath the basket, out rebounding FNU 59-31 for the match.

In the first frame, FNU was making things interesting ending the period trailing 19-18. The Conquistadors shot 7-13 from the field and looked primed to pull off an upset.

Natalie Larranaga had a solid showing with five points in the period and nine for the ball game. FIU was shooting in the low thirties from the floor and connected on just one of the eight three pointers they attempted.

Despite a close first period, FIU went to work the second outscoring FNU 23-4 heading into the half. The Panthers lead by as many as 21 in the quarter as Larranaga scored all FNU's points for the quarter with a couple of powerful layups against FIU's stout defense. 

Nursing a 42-22 lead, the Panthers were lights out from the floor for the remainder of the match. Kaylee Llanos had a solid second half and ended the game with 12 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists.

But a touch of Llanos-magic was not enough to best a Panthers team shooting 50% in the third and 72% from the field in the final period. 

Janelisse Marty Marrero recorded seven points and four rebounds. Tyra Kirlew had a team-high six rebounds. 
 

Up Next: FNU's women's basketball team's home opener is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. against Trinity Baptist College.