HIALEAH, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2024) – Florida National University women’s basketball team (13-10) ended the 2023-24 regular season with another victory in the win column, defeating the University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles (4-16) 82-52 at Bucky Dent Park. FNU dominated the contest from start to finish, earning its second win over UFTL this season. Four FNU stars ended the evening in double figures as the Conquistadors celebrated two seniors during halftime.
In the first half, FNU took a commanding 31-18 lead thanks to 13 points from Jullie Ruiz Paneto. Janelisse Marty Marrero was a major distributor for FNU, picking up two assists and seven points through two quarters. UFTL was shut down on offense, posting just five points in the first quarter and 13 in the second thanks to eight points from Esther Joseph. Kaylee Llanos and Ruiz Paneto combined for 11 of FNU’s 16 second-quarter points as each team headed to the locker rooms at halftime.
On center court during the break, FNU’s Louise Pilley and Tyra Kirlew were honored on Senior Night for their multiple years as Conquistadors. Each member of FNU’s team took the time to thank Kirlew and Pilley for their commitment to the women’s basketball program.
When play resumed in the third, UFTL posted a solid period with 18 points and cut FNU’s lead to 11 with three minutes left in the quarter. FNU ended the quarter on a 12-3 run to calm things down and put themselves firmly ahead with one-quarter left to play. Notably, Adalis Arroyo came alive for six points in the frame while UFTL’s Joseph went 4-4 from the free-throw line.
In the fourth, the Conquistadors outscored UFTL 26-16 as Llanos went 4-5 from three for 14 in the frame. FNU moved the ball well to close out the game with eight assists as the Eagles were forced to fall short of the mark once again on the Sedanos court at Bucky Dent Park.
Llanos led all players with 24 points on 9-20 shooting from the floor. Ruiz Paneto followed closely behind with 21, as Pilley posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 boards on Senior Night.
Up Next: FNU awaits seeding for the CAC Tournament hosted by Haskell Indian Nations University.
