LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — Rhema Collins scored 29 points to lead Florida International to an 83-74 victory over New Mexico State in a women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Pan American Center. The Golden Panthers used a dominant 33-point third quarter to pull away after leading 35-31 at halftime. Parris Atkins added 21 points for Florida International, which improved to 9-6 overall and in Conference USA play. Lucia Yenes led the Aggies with 19 points. New Mexico State fell to 6-11. Despite both teams committing over 20 turnovers, Florida International secured the win by making 10 more free throws. The Golden Panthers shot 25 of 34 from the line, while the Aggies were 15 of 25.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — Rhema Collins scored 29 points and Florida International used a dominant third-quarter surge to overcome a sluggish first half and defeat New Mexico State 83-74 in a Conference USA women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Pan American Center. The Golden Panthers, who trailed by six at halftime, outscored the Aggies 33-25 in the pivotal third period to seize control. The victory improved Florida International to 9-6 overall, while New Mexico State fell to 6-11. Collins, a 6-foot-2 junior from Nassau, Bahamas, was the catalyst, adding three assists and two blocks in 36 minutes. Her performance anchored a Florida International offense that struggled mightily in the first half, scoring only 10 points in the second quarter. Parris Atkins provided crucial support with 21 points for the Golden Panthers. New Mexico State was led by Lucia Yenes of Madrid, Spain, who finished with 19 points and three blocks. Emma Christiano, a local product from Las Cruces, contributed 10 points and four assists in a game-high 39 minutes. The contest was a tale of two halves defined by turnovers and defensive pressure. Florida International forced 23 Aggies turnovers, converting them into 30 points, while New Mexico State managed only 16 points off 22 Golden Panthers giveaways. Despite shooting a slightly better percentage from the field, 49.1% to 45.8%, the Aggies were undone by their ball security and a significant disparity at the free-throw line. Florida International attempted 34 free throws, making 25, compared to New Mexico State’s 15-of-25 performance. The first half was a disjointed affair for both teams. Florida International started strong, building a 25-15 lead after the first quarter behind Collins and Atkins. However, the Golden Panthers’ offense went ice-cold in the second period, managing just 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting. New Mexico State capitalized, closing the half on a 16-10 run to take a surprising 31-25 lead into the break. The game turned decisively in the third quarter. Florida International emerged from halftime with renewed aggression, particularly on defense. The Golden Panthers opened the period with a 12-2 run, fueled by steals and transition baskets. Collins was at the heart of the spurt, scoring eight points during the stretch as Florida International reclaimed a lead it would not relinquish. New Mexico State stayed within striking distance behind Yenes and timely baskets from Keira Hudson and Senoj Jones, but every Aggies push was answered. Florida International’s lead grew to as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter before settling on the final nine-point margin. Beyond the scoring of Collins and Atkins, Florida International received key contributions from Judit Valero with 11 points and Grecia Ferrer Leal, who dished out five assists. Denika Lightbourne added nine points off the bench. For New Mexico State, Hudson finished with 10 points, Jones had eight and Anna Csenyi added seven. The game was played before an announced crowd of 825. Florida International continues its road trip at UTEP on Saturday. New Mexico State will host Missouri State the same day.

Preview: Florida International at New Mexico State Women’s Basketball LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — The Florida International Golden Panthers visit the Pan American Center on Thursday to face the New Mexico State Aggies in a Conference USA women’s basketball matchup. Florida International (8-6) enters on a winning note after a 76-65 victory over Kennesaw State on Saturday. The Golden Panthers have shown a potent offense, averaging 75.1 points per game, but have alternated wins and losses over their past six contests. The Golden Panthers are led by guard Parris Atkins, who is coming off a 23-point performance against Kennesaw State and a 35-point outing in a loss to Missouri State on Jan. 4. Atkins averages 20.2 points over her last five games. She is supported by Rhema Collins and Adama Badjie Coly, who combined for 32 points and 14 rebounds in the most recent win. New Mexico State (6-10) looks to rebound from a lopsided 88-51 road loss at Middle Tennessee. The Aggies have struggled for consistency but secured an overtime conference win over Delaware and a narrow road victory at Western Kentucky earlier this month. The Aggies rely on forward Lucia Yenes, who nearly posted a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds in the loss to Middle Tennessee. Yenes is averaging 12.7 points and 7.2 rebounds over her last six games, including a 26-point effort in the win at Western Kentucky. Defense will be a key concern for New Mexico State, which allows an average of 67.6 points per game. Containing Atkins and Florida International’s scoring depth will be critical. The Golden Panthers, meanwhile, will aim to exploit their offensive edge and improve upon a 2-4 road record. This game opens a two-game homestand for the Aggies, while Florida International continues a two-game road trip before returning home. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Thursday at the Pan American Center in University Park.