Women's basketball handle NCF 73-51 graphic.
Women’s basketball defeat NCF 73-51. (Jan. 16, 2024)

(Box Score)

HIALEAH, Fla. (Jan. 16, 2024) – Florida National University’s women’s basketball team grabbed its third win in its last four contests following a masterful 73-51 win over the New College of Florida Banyans Tuesday. The Banyans (5-10) were able to keep up with FNU (6-10) on the offensive end but put themselves in a precarious spot with 38 costly turnovers. FNU capitalized on these errors with 26 steals and found a way to finish in transition for an early lead. 

This is just the second meeting between these two Florida institutions, with NCF making the trip to Hialeah, Fla., on Nov. 15 before a leak at Bucky Dent Park halted the contest with seven minutes left in the third quarter.

FNU’s Louise Pilley had a career night with 23 points on 11-15 shooting from the floor. The forward maneuvered well underneath the basket, with most of her points coming in the paint. She also record four rebounds and three steals against a struggling NCF squad. Kaylee Llanos went 2-5 from long range for nine points in 25 minutes of play in her fourth game wearing a Conquistador uniform this year.

USCAA and Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Player of the Week, Jullie Ruiz Paneto, ended her night with 12 points, while Janelisse Marty Marrero and Adalis Arroyo combined for 21. NCF led the rebounding battle 30-29 and Sierra Moore was the highest-scoring Banyan with 13.

Up Next: FNU hosts Morris College on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m.