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

The Golden Panthers improved to 1-1, while the Wildcats fell to 1-3.

Florida International established control early, outscoring Bethune-Cookman 22-18 in the first quarter and 19-11 in the second to take a 41-29 lead into halftime. The Golden Panthers maintained their advantage throughout the second half, matching the Wildcats’ 20-point output in the third quarter and again in the fourth to close out the win.

A dominant performance on defense and a significant advantage in free throw attempts proved decisive for Florida International. The Golden Panthers forced 30 Bethune-Cookman turnovers, converting them into numerous scoring opportunities. They also capitalized at the foul line, making 27 of 42 free throws compared to Bethune-Cookman’s 22 of 30.

Rhema Collins led Florida International with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play. She also blocked three shots. Fantasia James added 14 points and five rebounds, while Parris Atkins contributed 13 points. Grecia Ferrer Leal orchestrated the offense with a game-high seven assists.

For Bethune-Cookman, Alexandria Johnson delivered a standout performance with a game-high 23 points, adding four rebounds and two assists in 38 minutes. Jordan Brooks provided a spark off the bench with 10 points.

Despite both teams having 84 possessions, Florida International’s offense was more efficient, posting an offensive rating of 96.5 points per 100 possessions. Bethune-Cookman managed an offensive rating of 80.7. The Golden Panthers also shared the ball effectively, recording 19 assists to the Wildcats’ 11, and were disruptive defensively with 19 steals.

Florida International shot 25 for 56 from the field, while Bethune-Cookman finished 21 for 55. Both teams made four 3-pointers.

The announced attendance was 281.

Florida International next plays on the road Tuesday against UCF. Bethune-Cookman’s next contest is Thursday at Maryland.