WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — The Florida International women’s basketball team secured its first victory of the season, pulling away from Bethune-Cookman for an 81-68 win on Saturday at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Golden Panthers improved to 1-1 behind a dominant defensive effort that forced 30 turnovers, while the Wildcats fell to 1-3.

Florida International never trailed, establishing control early with a 22-point first quarter. Bethune-Cookman kept the game competitive through the first half, trailing 41-29 at the break, but could not overcome a sloppy offensive performance and a significant disparity at the free-throw line.

The Golden Panthers attempted 42 free throws, making 27, compared to the Wildcats’ 30 attempts, of which they made 22. Florida International’s ability to draw fouls and capitalize at the line proved to be a decisive factor.

A key performer for the Golden Panthers was Rhema Collins. The 6-foot-2 sophomore from Nassau, Bahamas, recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play, adding three blocked shots to anchor the defense.

Bethune-Cookman’s offense was spearheaded by the dynamic scoring of Alexandria Johnson. The 5-foot-8 guard from Little Rock, Arkansas, played 38 minutes and poured in a game-high 23 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Despite her individual effort, the Wildcats’ offense sputtered, posting an offensive rating of just 80.7 points per 100 possessions.

Florida International’s backcourt pressure was a constant disruptor. Fantasia James, a 5-foot-9 guard from Orange Park, Florida, contributed 14 points, five rebounds and a block, while the guard tandem of Grecia Ferrer Leal and Parris Atkins hounded Bethune-Cookman ball-handlers all game. Ferrer Leal, from Badalona, Spain, dished out seven assists and was one of five Golden Panthers with multiple steals as the team tallied 19 total. Atkins, also from Little Rock, Arkansas, added 13 points.

The Wildcats showed resilience in the third quarter, outscoring Florida International 20-19, but could not sustain the momentum. Daimoni Dorsey, a 5-foot-7 guard from Baltimore, Maryland, provided support for Johnson with nine points and five rebounds. Jordan Brooks, a 5-foot-3 guard from Atlanta, Georgia, chipped in 10 points off the bench.

Florida International’s ball movement and depth were evident, as the team registered 19 assists and saw significant contributions across the roster. Claudia Marina Gonzalez of Madrid, Spain, scored nine points with four rebounds and a block, and Adama Badjie Coly from Mataro, Spain, also added nine points and four rebounds.

For Bethune-Cookman, Sanai Tyler, a 6-foot forward from Chicago, Illinois, made an impact in limited minutes, scoring seven points and grabbing six rebounds.

The game was characterized by its physical, turnover-plagued nature. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with each making only four 3-pointers. The difference came inside, where Florida International was more efficient in converting opportunities and drawing contact.

The announced attendance was 281 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

Florida International will look to build on the victory when it travels to face in-state foe UCF on Tuesday. Bethune-Cookman continues a challenging road stretch with a game at Maryland on Thursday.