WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the Florida International women’s basketball team outlasted Seattle for a 64-59 victory on Sunday at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Golden Panthers improved to 3-3 on the season, while the Redhawks fell to 3-4.

Florida International’s victory was anchored by a disruptive defense that forced 19 Seattle turnovers and converted them into crucial transition opportunities. The Golden Panthers recorded 15 steals, led by the relentless play of Parris Atkins and Grecia Ferrer Leal, which consistently stifled Seattle’s offensive rhythm. Despite shooting just 23 of 69 from the floor, Florida International’s ability to create extra possessions, evidenced by their 10 offensive rebounds, proved decisive in a contest where neither team shot efficiently.

Seattle started the game with a potent offensive burst, scoring 24 points in the first quarter. Tamia Stricklin and Ella Brubaker combined for early scoring to help the Redhawks keep pace in a high-scoring opening period that saw Florida International take a narrow 25-24 lead.

The game tightened significantly in the second quarter, with both teams managing only 12 points. Seattle’s offense, which looked fluid in the first, began to falter against Florida International’s aggressive defensive schemes. The Redhawks’ scoring by quarter dwindled to 12, 11, and 12 points over the final three periods, unable to rediscover their early-game form.

A pivotal third quarter saw the Golden Panthers create separation. Outscoring Seattle 19-11, they built a 56-47 lead heading into the final frame. Atkins was instrumental in the period, contributing to a run that gave Florida International its largest lead of the game.

Seattle mounted a determined comeback in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on a cold shooting stretch from the Golden Panthers, who managed only eight points in the period. The Redhawks chipped away at the deficit, closing to within a single possession in the final minutes. However, key free throws from Florida International’ Grecia Ferrer Leal in the closing seconds, and a final defensive stop, sealed the five-point win.

Atkins, a guard from Little Rock, Arkansas, led all scorers with 20 points, adding three rebounds and a game-high five steals in 38 minutes of action. Her backcourt partner, Grecia Ferrer Leal of Badalona, Spain, orchestrated the offense with a team-high six assists to go along with 10 points, five rebounds and three steals while playing the entire 40 minutes.

For Seattle, Stricklin, a sophomore from Renton, Washington, posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, alongside five assists. Brubaker, from University Place, Washington, led the Redhawks in scoring with 15 points and added seven rebounds. Jana Vesic of Belgrade, Serbia, contributed 14 points and five assists.

The game was a statistical anomaly, with Florida International winning despite a lower field goal percentage than Seattle. The Golden Panthers shot 33.3% from the field compared to Seattle’s 38.2%, but offset this with a significant advantage in assists, steals, and a lower turnover count. Florida International dished out 15 assists to Seattle’s five and committed 10 turnovers against the Redhawks’ 19.

The announced attendance was 58 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

Seattle returns home to face Evergreen St. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Florida International’s next contest is at home against Georgia State on Friday, Dec. 5.