HIALEAH, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2023) – Florida National University’s women’s basketball team (1-3) was up to a tough challenge versus fellow Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) member Voorhees University (2-5) on November 20 at Bucky Dent Park. The Conquistadors survived an intense double overtime battle versus the Tigers for a 97-85 victory.
In the opening half, Florida National got off to a slow start, trailing 22-16 at the end of the first quarter. Adalis Arroyo and Janelisse Marty Marrero combined for 10 of FNU’s points in the period, as the Tigers shot an impressive 57.1% from the field and 3-6 from behind the three-point line. FNU took the lead before halftime 34-33 thanks to an explosive six-point performance from Arroyo which came on a perfect 2-2 performance from three. FNU’s stifling defense also caused six costly Voorhees turnovers.
When play resumed in the second half, Voorhees saw some of the momentum go their way thanks to real effort underneath the basket. The Tigers outrebounded FNU 10-4 and claimed six offensive rebounds that gave them much-needed second-chance possessions. FNU was able to keep it respectable thanks to nine points from Marty Marrero in the third and a clutch three from Gabriela Solis off the bench.
In the fourth, defensive efforts, including two steals from Solis, propelled FNU back into the game. A made layup from Delores Charlton in transition tied the contest up at 69 with seconds left on the clock and Voorhees was unable to capitalize on an open layup on the other side of the court before the clock hit zero.
The first overtime was evenly matched as each team posted 10 points in the overtime period. Marty Marrero gave the Conquistadors a 79-76 advantage with under a minute left but the Tigers’ Grace Lupumba posted a tough layup and a made free throw to force another overtime period.
But in the next frame, FNU found another gear on the offensive side of the ball. Charlton was a massive part of FNU’s win down the stretch, knocking down two three-pointers and three free throws to put some real daylight between FNU and the Tigers. Outscoring the Tigers 18-6 in the final period, FNU executed its first win of the 2023 season with four players in double figures.
Marty Marrero had a stellar outing with 34 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Solis had six very timely points off the bench, while Catalina Valenzuela, Arroyo, and Charlton dropped 17 in the win.
Up Next: FNU has a rematch against Kesier University on Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.
