HIALEAH, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2024) – Florida National University’s women’s basketball team captured just its second road win of the 2023-24 season thanks to a dominant display on offense from two newcomers. Guards Jullie Ruiz Paneto and Kaylee Llanos’ 2024 debuts saw them combine for 38 points in a 99-51 victory for the Conquistadors in Kissimmee, Fla. The Conquistadors’ (4-9) defense was stout, earning 28 steals against a reeling Suns (2-9) offense.
The opening quarter was a great indicator for the rest of the contest, as FNU had a striking intensity on both sides of the ball to take a commanding 28-14 after the first. Janelisse Marty Marrero went 4-8 from the floor for 10 points, while Ruiz Paneto put up nine in the frame. FNU’s full-court pressure fueled their offense, as the Conquistadors stole the ball nine times in the second and forced 12 turnovers before halftime.
FNU’s 44-29 lead heading into the break set up a massive 32-point performance from the Conquistadors in the third. The Suns were held to just 14 points in the third, eight of which came from the free throw line. Ruiz Paneto was finding easy lanes to the basket in transition, picking up 10 easy points in eight minutes of play. Louise Pilley was making some noise as well, with two buckets and five points in the period.
FNU’s victory was solidified in the fourth, as Llanos caught fire from long range with three made threes on 5-9 shooting from the field. All 13 of Llanos’ points came in the final frame and Gabriela Solis knocked down a pair of threes after playing the full quarter. The Conquistadors ended the night outscoring the Suns 23-8.
Ruiz Paneto led all players with 25 points to go along with five rebounds and six assists. Marty Marrero wasn’t far behind with 19 points, five dimes and two steals. Notably, Solis and Llanos provided 24 points from the bench.
Up Next: Florida National hits the road again for the Florida College Classic in Temple Terrace, Fla., starting Jan. 12.
