LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — Rhema Collins scored 19 points and Parris Atkins added 17 as Florida International built an early lead and never trailed in a 74-61 victory over Liberty in a Conference USA women’s basketball game Friday night at Vines Center.

The Golden Panthers, who entered as significant underdogs according to national projections, improved to 12-7 overall. The Lady Flames fell to 9-10.

The most critical phase of the game occurred in the opening quarter, where Florida International established a defensive tone that would define the contest. The Golden Panthers held Liberty to just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the first period while forcing seven Lady Flames turnovers. Florida International capitalized with a 15-point quarter, sparked by Collins winning the opening tip and converting an immediate layup from Atkins just 16 seconds into the game.

That early sequence set a precedent. Florida International’s defensive pressure was relentless, generating 21 Liberty turnovers, which they converted into 23 points. The Golden Panthers also recorded 10 steals, with Collins and Atkins contributing three and two, respectively.

Liberty struggled to find consistent offense outside of JaKayla Thompson, who led the Lady Flames with 13 points. Avery Mills added 12. The Lady Flames shot 42% from the field but were hampered by the giveaways and an inability to contain Collins in the paint.

Florida International methodically extended its lead throughout the game. After taking a 30-25 advantage into halftime, the Golden Panthers opened the third quarter with a 7-2 run to create their first double-digit lead. Liberty would cut the deficit to seven points on several occasions in the second half, but each time Florida International answered, often through the playmaking of Atkins, who finished with a game-high five assists to complement her scoring.

A key sequence early in the fourth quarter sealed the outcome. With Florida International leading 51-40, Collins secured an offensive rebound, scored a putback while being fouled, and completed the three-point play. On the ensuing Liberty possession, Emma Leon committed an offensive foul, giving the ball back to the Golden Panthers, who then worked the ball inside to Adama Badjie Coly for a layup. The five-point swing in 30 seconds pushed the lead to 56-40 with 7:38 remaining, effectively ending any comeback threat.

Judit Valero provided crucial perimeter scoring for Florida International with 12 points, including two three-pointers. The Golden Panthers shot 40% from the field and were efficient from the free-throw line, making 23 of 28 attempts.

Liberty’s Emmy Stout contributed nine points and two blocks, while Lynn Peters added seven points off the bench. The Lady Flames won the rebounding battle 34-30 but were ultimately undone by their ball-handling issues.

Florida International’s offensive rating of 102.4 points per 100 possessions significantly outpaced Liberty’s 87.0, underscoring the Golden Panthers’ superior efficiency in a game where they had two more possessions.

The victory marked a strong road response for Florida International following a 15-point home loss to Louisiana Tech in its previous outing. Liberty, coming off a split in its last two conference games, has now lost three of its last four.

Florida International continues its road trip at Delaware on Saturday. Liberty will host Missouri State on Saturday.