RedHawks Soar Past Panthers in Thrilling 62-55 Victory at Christmas Classic

MIAMI, Fla. – Enjulina Gonzalez achieved 29 points in Miami’s 62-55 victory to conclude the FIU Christmas Classic on Saturday afternoon. Amber Tretter contributed 10 points and a game-leading seven rebounds, aiding Miami to advance to 7-3 for the season. Bineta Diatta topped the Panthers with 13 points, who fell to 4-7.
 
How It Unfolded:

• The RedHawks commenced the game with a 4-0 advantage after Maya Chandler hit a pull-up jumper, followed by Gonzalez making a pair of free throws. Cori Lard delivered a no-look pass to Núria Jurjo located in the right corner for a three-pointer, expanding Miami’s lead to 7-0 halfway through the opening quarter. With a score of 13-7, Tretter added three points and followed up with a put-back layup during the next possession, granting the RedHawks their first double-digit lead of the game as they moved into the second quarter.
• FIU outscored Miami 8-2 at the start of the second quarter, narrowing the gap to five points at 20-15. In response, Gonzalez drained consecutive shots from beyond the arc, keeping the Panthers at bay as the score reached 26-15 with five minutes left before halftime. A driving layup from Lard, succeeded by Gonzalez’s third three of the game, pushed Miami ahead of FIU 32-23 at the break.
• Gonzalez maintained her momentum coming out of halftime, scoring the initial nine points for the RedHawks, keeping them in front of the Panthers at 41-27. Although FIU got within five points (44-39) at the 0:58 mark, Ilse de Vries capped the quarter with a step-through layup, sending Miami into the final quarter with a 46-39 lead.
• de Vries hit her first three-pointer with just 5:36 left in the contest. Tretter scored her second three of the contest, and Gonzalez completed a transition layup following a Panthers’ turnover to stretch the RedHawks’ lead to 59-46. Despite a strong effort from FIU, the Red and White ultimately secured the game with a 62-55 victory.

 
Game Highlights:

• Chandler, Singer, and Tretter each led the RedHawks with three steals.
• Gonzalez matched her career-high with four three-pointers.
• Miami forced 26 turnovers, marking the fifth occasion this season the RedHawks have compelled at least 25 turnovers in a game.

 
Next Up:
Miami will commence conference play by welcoming Ball State on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m.