MIAMI, Fla. — The Wildcats saw their first road win of the 2024 season on Friday as they took down the Florida International Panthers, 76-73.
The win against FIU was the first win against a team hailing from Conference USA since November 21, 2015, when the Wildcats took down the UTSA Roadrunners 79-60.
The game itself was tight the whole time, filled with 10 ties and 10 lead changes.
Both teams struggled to shoot in the first quarter, matching each other defensively. ACU did take an early lead in the first quarter, 14-12. In the second quarter, the Wildcats finished shooting 55 percent from the field and 60 percent from the 3-point line. The 'Cats outscored the Panthers 23-18, ultimately taking a 37-30 lead into the locker room.
ACU struggled in the third quarter and at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The 'Cats finished the third shooting 29 percent, allowing FIU to close in on the lead. At the beginning of the fourth, the Panthers went on a 7-0 run, and with 4:54 left, the Panthers picked up an eight-point lead.
On the next play, Bella Earle scored six straight points for ACU to cut the lead to three. Then, from the 2:21 mark to their being 49 seconds left, ACU went on an 8-0 run. It was started by two free throws by Emma Troxell, then a 3-pointer from Breanna Davis. Paula Pique drew a charge on the defensive end, the Natalia Chavez hit a 3-pointer to help take a 72-69 lead with 49 seconds left. FIU tried to cause turnovers and ice ACU on the free throw line, but ACU pushed through to earn the three-point win.
What helped ACU win the game was the shooting performance of the team. ACU finished the game shooting 41.2 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from the 3-point line and 83.3 from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, the 'Cats held FIU to 41.2 percent from the field, 15.8 from the 3-point line and 66.7 percent from the free throw line.
Senior guard Bella Earle led the way with a career-high 26 points and four rebounds. She finished shooting 50 percent while adding 10 free throws.
Two other Wildcats finished the game scoring in double figures. First, Emma Troxell had a second straight double-digit performance with 14 points with five rebounds. Starting guard Mia Rivers also added 13 points with five rebounds and two assists.
Payton Hull led the team with seven rebounds while only having eight points. The two clutch shooters in the fourth for ACU, Natalia Chavez and Breanna Davis, finished with nine points and five points respectively.
Next, ACU hopes to extend its record to 3-0 and returns to Moody Coliseum on Tuesday at 11 a.m. for the annual Kids Day game. This year, ACU will take on former WAC rival, Stephen F. Austin.
The morning game will stream live on ESPN+ if fans cannot make it in person, but fans can also keep up with the 'Cats by following the team on X, Instagram, Facebook and acusports.com.
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