BOCA RATON, Fla. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a decisive second-half surge, the Florida International women’s basketball team secured a commanding 80-63 victory over Florida Atlantic on Monday night at FAU Gymnasium.

The Golden Panthers, who trailed by seven points after a high-scoring first quarter, methodically took control after halftime, outscoring the Owls 43-22 over the final two periods. The win improved Florida International’s record to 5-3, while Florida Atlantic fell to an even 5-5.

Florida Atlantic opened the game with potent offensive execution, connecting on five three-pointers in the first quarter to build a 23-16 lead. Vivian Onugha, the Owls’ standout forward from Lagos, Nigeria, was instrumental early, scoring eight of her team-high 18 points in the opening frame.

The Golden Panthers began their climb back in the second quarter, chipping the deficit to 41-37 by halftime. The turning point arrived in the third quarter, where Florida International’s defense stifled the Owls’ attack. Florida Atlantic managed just 14 points in the period on 5-of-15 shooting from the field and committed five turnovers. Meanwhile, Florida International’s offense found its rhythm, with Parris Atkins and Judit Valero hitting crucial three-pointers during an 18-point quarter that gave the visitors a 55-52 lead.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Golden Panthers. They opened the final period on a 14-3 run, extending their lead to 69-55 with just over five minutes remaining and effectively sealing the game. Florida International’s defense continued to dominate, holding the Owls to a mere eight points in the quarter on 2-of-13 shooting and forcing six more turnovers.

Atkins, a guard from Little Rock, Arkansas, led all scorers with 20 points, adding three assists and three steals for Florida International. She was one of four Golden Panthers to score in double figures, showcasing a balanced offensive attack. Center Rhema Collins of Nassau, Bahamas, provided a dominant all-around performance with 16 points, three assists and two blocks. Guard Grecia Ferrer Leal of Badalona, Spain, contributed 12 points and four assists, while forward Denika Lightbourne, also of Nassau, matched Collins with 16 points. Valero, from Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain, added 13 points.

For Florida Atlantic, Onugha’s 18 points and one block were the bright spot. Guard Grace Carstensen of Hinsdale, Illinois, was the only other Owl in double figures with 12 points, all coming from beyond the arc in the first half. The Owls’ offense struggled mightily after intermission, shooting just 28 percent from the field and committing 11 of their 19 total turnovers.

The most important sequence of the game was Florida International’s defensive lockdown in the third quarter, which flipped a narrow halftime deficit into a lead they would not relinquish. This defensive intensity fueled their transition game and allowed them to build a sustainable advantage, culminating in the game-clinching run to start the fourth quarter.

Florida International will look to build on this win when they host Youngstown State on Friday. Florida Atlantic travels to face Massachusetts in a neutral-site game in Miami on the same day. The two in-state rivals are scheduled to meet again in Miami on Saturday.