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Top hurdlers in the world invited to meet

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DANIELLE Williams, Masai Russell and Megan Tapper - a few of the top female high hurdlers in the world - are expected to be in town this weekend to participate in the highly anticipated Devynne Charlton Invitational at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The Invitational will be held from 9am on Saturday under the banner of the Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundation and will serve as a qualifier for both the 2026 CARIFTA Games in Georgetown, Grenada, April 4-6 and the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, August 5-9.

Laura Charlton, Devynne's mother and one of the principals in the foundation that was founded in 2014, said they have around 800 athletes registered from the United States of America, Canada, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, who are coming to New Providence to participate in the meet.

However, Williams, the reigning world 100m hurdles champion from Jamaica, Russell, the American 2024 Olympic 100m hurdles champion and Tapper, the Jamaican 2020 Olympic 100m hurdles champion, will not be competing.

Instead they will be supporting Charlton - the two-time World Indoor and world record holderin the 60m hurdles, in her initiative to enhance the

meet.They will be joined by Katelyn Hutchinson, a content creator, journalist and track and field analyst, who travels the world interviewing professional track and field athletes and reporting on the most exciting stories in the sport. Charlton's younger sister

Anthaya Charlton, who is fast becoming a double threat in the women's 100 metres and the long jump, will be in attendance as well. "It's expected to be an exciting meet and so we want kids to come out and support our athletes as they

try to qualify for CARIFTA and the World Under-20 Championships," Laura Charlton said. "Everybody is excited to have this opportunity to compete in the meet."

As the foundation is designed to foster athletic and academic excellence by providing resources and support to young athletes in The Bahamas, Laura Charlton encourages the public to come out and support the meet.

"This is a dream of Devynne. It's not the type of meet she really wanted because she's still actively competing," Laura Charlton said. "But she just decided to take the general meet approach and, as she continues to grow her foundation, she will get to the level where she wants the meet to be."

So far, the foundation has assisted two Bahamian athletes on athletic scholarships and they have provided funding for those athletes who needed

assistance in coming home to compete in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations' Nationals last year.

All of the visiting athletes from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands will be assisted in their expenses as they come to town to participate in the meet.

"She feels it's important for them to get the competition so that they can try

and qualify for the upcoming international meets, including CARIFTA and the World Under-20 Championships," Laura Charlton said.

"So this is a dream of hers and we in the foundation just want to make it possible for the athletes to get the opportunity to compete. So we are encouraging the public to come out and support the meet."

The entry fee is $20 for the VIP stand, $10 general admission for adults and $5 for children. Not only would they get to see the older competitors compete, but Laura Charlton said the young age group athletes from the under-7 division and up will also be participating.

Devynne Charlton's older sister Lauren, and her 4 1/2-year-old twin sisters Noelle and Celeste from Michigan, will also be making their debut in the meet. "The competition will be very keen," Laura Charlton summed up.

Battles of Boca: Tennis ace Sydney Clarke puts together impressive run to the semis

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

TENNIS player Sydney Clarke put together an impressive run at the multi-day Battles of Boca tournament in Boca Raton, Florida, at the Rick Macci Tennis Center this past weekend, fighting her way through multiple rounds to reach the semifinals of the $10,000 first place prize event.

Clarke’s tournament began on Saturday, when she faced Danielle Wei in the Round of 64, dominating with a 6-1, 6-3 victory to advance to the next round.

Day two began on Sunday with Clarke continuing her winning streak in the Round of 32 against Canada’s Lola Feher. She delivered another commanding performance, winning 6-2, 6-1 to move into the Round of 16.

Later that same day, Clarke faced her toughest game against Ariana Ikwueme in the Round of 16. The match went to a third-set tiebreaker, with Clarke ultimately winning 2-6, 6-4, 10-8 in a hardfought battle that showed her mental toughness and ability to close when matches get tight.

Clarke’s momentum carried into Monday, when she took on Scarlett Fagan in the quarterfinals. After

dropping the first set 2-6, Clarke rallied back to win the second set 6-3 before sealing the match with a 10-4 tiebreaker victory, securing her spot in the semifinals.

However, Clarke’s impressive run came to an end in the semifinals against top-seeded Sofiia Bielinska. Despite winning the first set 6-1, Clarke couldn’t maintain her advantage, falling 3-6, 6-6 in a match where Bielinska fought back to level the score.

“I’m very proud of myself with how I performed, I played two weeks ago and I lost in the quarter finals but this year I lost in the semifinals, so I’m very proud of the minor progress that I made,” said Clarke.

“Although I didn't win it still I was proud of the determination I showed on the court.”

“I’ve been working on things these past two weeks, and this week I was more focused, I was a lot quicker, which is something I have been working on,” said Clarke.

“The job is never done, and I can't be satisfied or complacent, but it's definitely a step in the right direction,” said Clarke.     Throughout the tournament, Clarke demonstrated competitive fire,

Bahamas Cycling Federation gets 10 bicycles thanks to UCI

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Cycling Federation has been blessed with 10 Scott bicycles to help with the development of the sport throughout the Family Islands.

During a press conference yesterday at the office of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, the federation revealed that they were pleased to receive the bikes from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) solidarity programme at the start of their 2026 season.

“We have already had our first cycling event in

To help with the development of the sport across the Family Islands

Exuma last weekend and we are going to have the Tour de Grand Bahama next weekend, February 14-15. The highlight for the year will be the nationals back in Exuma in June.

"This is very important for the growth and development of cycling, both here in New Providence and in Grand Bahama as well as our Family of Islands," said Roy Colebrook, president of the BCF.

"The bikes that you see here today and some of the

equipment that came along with it is a part of the solidarity programme by the UCI to assist us."

The order was placed from last year, but Colebrook said they just arrived and they came just in the nick of time as they work on the development of their programmes in the Family Islands.

This is the second time in three years that the federation has received the bikes and this year, Colebrook said Exuma,

Andros, San Salvador and New Providence will be the beneficiaries.

Brian Strachan, a vice president of the federation representing Exuma, said the bikes will go a long way in their feeder programme that caters to about 25 youngsters.

"We meet on a regular basis at least three times a week, so these kids could be up and ready for when the time arises for the nationals," Strachan said. "We hope to be well ready to represent the island."

With the homecoming and regattas serving as a major boost for the island, Strachan said they have noticed that cycling also plays a vital role in the economy, especially with the staging of the nationals there last year.

"This year, it will only get bigger and better," said Strachan, who noted that Exuma is "sweet and our roads are perfect for riding and the scenery also enhances the ride. They say once is not enough, so they have to come back again."

Brian Cleare, another vice president of the federation who represents the island of Andros, said receiving the bikes will certainly enhance the sport on the island.

"Two weeks ago, on January 12, we had our first fun ride. Our next ride will be on April 7 for the kids," Cleare said. "The kids have been using the bikes they received for Christmas for the last three years.

"One of our junior riders competed in the nationals last year and he got a scholarship in a school in Florida. He was using his mountain bike for training. So having these bikes will go a long

way in terms of training for the kids on Andros and stimulate the interest from the parents."

Like Exuma, Cleare said Andros has the pine forest and excellent roads and with less traffic, they can now extend their rides from North to Central Andros when they put on their races.

"What I like most about the kids in Andros, the young and the old are coming out," Cleare said.

"We even had some kids coming out with training wheels on their bikes, but we had to put them on the truck because they couldn't compete with them.

"But I want to commend our president Roy Colebrook for doing an excellent job in supporting the Family Island Cycling Associations. He's very high on that and I think by doing that, in the future, we will have strong competitors from the Family Islands competing on the national teams."

Barron 'Turbo' Musgrove, the secretary general of the federation and the president of the New Providence Cycling Association, said the federation's plan is to expand its programme to all of the major Family Islands.

"We are bringing a strategic plan and that plan is to ensure that every youngster has their bicycles and can ride their bicycles," he said. "We want to create more healthy adolescents and teenagers and eventually adults.

"We have a situation with our health and we want to curb that. The plan of the federation can assist. Riding your bicycle stimulates all of the muscles, energies

and positiveness in human beings."

According to Musgrove, they have been able to extend their national programme to include four major islands and they are looking forward to going back to Exuma for the Nationals in June.

Shirley Mireault, the assistant secretary for the federation, said although they are getting the 10 bikes from UCI, they are hoping that more corporate sponsors will come on board and assist the federation.

"We are working on our qualifiers for the national teams, so this year is going to be very interesting," Mireault said. "No one can say who is going to make those teams.

"We have Exuma, New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and Andros where we have active riders who are going to be fighting for those places on the team."

The first qualifier will take place at the Tour de Grand Bahama next weekend. So she's encouraging the cyclists to not just look at competing at the nationals to make the team. Currently the federation has six cyclists, including Kami Roach, Anjaleah Knowles, Barron Musgrove Jr, Felix Neely, Laurny Duncombe and Aidan Bain, who are on subvention from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and they are expected to be among the top contenders at the nationals.

Also this year, Colebrook said the federation will be placing some emphasis on the training of their coaches and officials to further enhance the programme.

Rookie ‘VJ’ struggles in win over Clippers

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 128-113 on Monday night, extending their winning streak as Tyrese Maxey and Dominick Barlow carried the offence. Rookie guard Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe struggled shooting the ball but still played more than 30 minutes in a game the Sixers controlled for most of the second half. Edgecombe, 20, finished with just five points on 1-for-11 shooting, including 1-for-8 from three-point range, adding seven assists, three rebounds, and one steal in 31 minutes. It was

one of his least efficient scoring performances of the season and a noticeable contrast to his recent stretch of play. Philadelphia pulled away behind Maxey’s 29 points and Barlow’s career-high 26 points and 16 rebounds, offsetting Edgecombe’s off night along with their limited scoring from the bench. The Sixers shot efficiently as a team and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities late in the third quarter to create separation. Despite the outing, Edgecombe remains firmly in the NBA Rookie of the Year conversation. According to ESPN and the NBA’s most recent Kia Rookie Ladder, the race has tightened into a three-player

group featuring Kon Knueppel (first), Cooper Flagg (second), and Edgecombe (third). Flagg has recently held the top spot due to efficiency and two-way impact, while Knueppel’s scoring consistency has kept him close behind. Edgecombe

currently sits just behind them.

Through the season to date, Edgecombe is averaging 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, shooting 42.9 per cent from the field. Edgecombe leads all rookies in steals with 1.5 per game, first in minutes

per game with 35.5, and third in points per game. He trails Flagg in rebounds and Knueppel in scoring efficiency, but remains ahead of most rookies in assists and defensive activity.

Edgecombe’s season also includes selection to the Rising Stars Game during

efficiency numbers, but it did little to alter his standing in the rookie race.

James and Doncic help Lakers rout Nets

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) —

LeBron James scored 25 points, Luka Doncic had 24 and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled to a 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets last night in Austin Reaves' first game since Christmas.

Reaves had 15 points in 21 minutes after missing the last 19 games with a strained left calf. He entered late in the first quarter with the Lakers already well in control and helped them continue to pour it on during their 20-for-25 shooting start to the game.

Jake LaRavia scored 18 points for the Lakers, who finished 5-3 on their road trip and play next against Philadelphia at home Thursday night, a few hours after the NBA's trade deadline has passed. And Deandre Ayton contributed seven points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal.

James had said it was difficult to evaluate the team's potential without Reaves, who was averaging 26.6 points before he was hurt. They looked potent Tuesday, though it's hard to judge much against the hapless Nets, who are only good at losing badly. Brooklyn was coming off a 53-point loss in Detroit on Sunday and it appeared the

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Lakers might win by even more. They made 15 of their 18 shots (83.3%) in the first quarter in opening a 45-23 lead, then James scored while being fouled on their first shot of the second. Reaves then missed consecutive 3-pointers, but came up with a steal and threw the ball off the backboard for James to slam it down. When James later dunked off his own steal, it was 57-28 and the Lakers were 20 for 25. The lead grew to 38 before Los Angeles took a 69-40 lead to the break.

Michael Porter Jr. had 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets, who lost for the ninth time in 10 games. Day'Ron Sharpe finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Up next Lakers: Host Philadelphia on Thursday. Nets: Visit Orlando on Thursday.

Hornets fight back from 22 down to beat Pelicans 102-95 for 7th straight victory

By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

(AP) — LaMelo Ball overcame an early head-to-head collision with coach Charles Lee to score 24 points, and the surging Charlotte Hornets fought back from a 22-point deficit to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 102-95 on Monday for their seventh straight win.

Kon Knueppel added 17 points, hitting four 3s, and Brandon Miller and Grant Williams each scored 16 as Charlotte pulled within a half-game of the Atlanta Hawks for the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Hornets overcame 17 turnovers while matching their longest winning

streak since March 2016. Trey Murphy III scored 27 points to lead the Pelicans, who have lost six of their last nine. Zion Williamson finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Derik Queen had 16 points.

ROCKETS 118, PACERS 114

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Alperen Sengun matched his season high with 39 points, and Jabari Smith Jr. added 19 to help shorthanded Houston overcome the absence of All-Star forward Kevin Durant to beat Indiana.

Durant sat out, coach Ime Udoka said, after spraining his left ankle when he stepped on a fan’s foot. The Rockets already were

missing center Steven Adams, who is expected to miss the rest of this season following surgery on his injured left ankle, so Sengun did the heavy lifting.

He made 13 of 25 from the field and 13 of 18 from the free-throw line including 8 of 12 during the fourth quarter. Houston won its third straight, got its fifth victory in six games and captured its third straight on the road.

All-Star forward Pascal Siakam finished with 27 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 25 to lead the Pacers, who charged back from a 12-point deficit in the third quarter to take the lead. But they didn’t have quite enough to

extend their winning streak to a season-best three straight.

GRIZZLIES 137, TIMBERWOLVES 128

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)

— Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 30 points, Ty Jerome added 19 and Memphis built a 20-point lead in the second half and held on for a victory over Minnesota. Memphis maintained a double-digit advantage through much of the fourth quarter. Minnesota, behind Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards, seemed poised to overtake Memphis, but the Grizzlies never let the Timberwolves within nine points and snapped a six-game losing streak. Jaylen Wells scored 18

points for Memphis, while Cam Spencer and Vince WIlliams Jr. added 16 points apiece. Edwards led Minnesota with 39 points and seven rebounds. Jaden McDaniels scored 29 points and DiVincenzo finished with 21, including 13 in the fourth. Minnesota had its fourgame win streak halted.

76ERS 128, CLIPPERS 113

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Tyrese Maxey scored 29 points, including seven 3-pointers, Dominick Barlow added 26 points and 16 rebounds, and Philadelphia beat Los Angeles for their fourth consecutive victory. The game featured two big names who

weren’t selected as All-Star reserves: Joel Embiid of the Sixers and Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers. Embiid had 24 points as he continues to gain full strength after a right ankle injury. The Sixers improved to 11-10 without Paul George, who is serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program. Leonard led the Clippers with 29 points and Jordan Miller had 21 points off the bench. Los Angeles was without James Harden, who missed his second straight game due to personal reasons. Coach Tyronn Lue said before the game that Harden was at home in Phoenix.

Time, channel, halftime show, how to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks

By DAVID BRANDT

AP Sports Writer

IF the Super Bowl 60 matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks gives off a familiar vibe, it is completely understandable.

That's because it's a rematch of one of the most memorable Super Bowls in recent history: In 2015, the Patriots secured a 28-24 victory over the Seahawks after Malcolm Butler intercepted a Russell Wilson pass from the 1-yard line in the final minute.

Many Seattle fans are still incredulous that Marshawn Lynch didn't get the ball on a handoff at the 1.

This year's Patriots-Seahawks matchup features a new cast of characters on both sides. New England is seeking its NFL-record seventh Super Bowl victory and is led by young quarterback Drake Maye, coach Mike Vrabel and a stifling defence.

The Seahawks have veteran Sam Darnold under centre, coach Mike Macdonald on the sideline and also boast one of the league’s best defences. Seattle is trying to win its second Lombardi Trophy.

Here are a few more things to know about the Super Bowl: How do I watch the Super Bowl?

The game will be aired on NBC and Telemundo.

Mike Tirico will be the play-by-play announcer with Cris Collinsworth as the analyst.

Melissa Stark, Kaylee Hartung and rules analyst Terry McAulay are also part of the broadcast team.

What time is the Bowl? It will start at roughly 6:30pm EST on Sunday, February 8.

Which team

What are the streaming options for the Super Bowl?

Some of the streaming options include Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, NFL+ and DirecTV. What's the recent Super Bowl news?

Unheralded players who could make a big impact in the Super Bowl Don’t tune into the Super Bowl hoping for a break from politics Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams thrilled to be cancer-free, with team for Super Bowl Drake Maye’s shoulder injury improves ahead of Super Bowl showdown Seahawks’ Klint Kubiak focused on Super Bowl, not Raiders job

Who is performing during the Super Bowl halftime show?

Bad Bunny will bring his Latin trap and reggaeton swagger to the NFL’s biggest stage: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show in Northern California. Who is singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl pregame show will open with a trio of standout performers: Charlie Puth will hit the stage to sing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile will take on “America the Beautiful” and Coco Jones will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Havertz sinks former club as Arsenal reaches English League Cup final by beating Chelsea

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

WHAT’s shaping up

to be a banner season for Arsenal will include a trip to Wembley Stadium for the English League Cup final.

Kai Havertz scored in stoppage time against his former club to earn Arsenal a 1-0 win over visiting Chelsea yesterday, sealing a 4-2 victory on aggregate.

Without a trophy since 2020, Mikel Arteta’s team leads the Premier League by six points in its bid to

yesterday

become English champion for a first time since 2004, and also finished top of the Champions League standings after eight straight wins.

For good measure, Arsenal has advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup, too.

“The last three or four years we’ve been at the top of the Premier League competing and got really close but haven’t been good enough,” said Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, referring to the team's three straight runner-up

finishes. “That’s why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition.

“There’s a long way to go but to be in a cup final with this club is amazing.”

Arsenal will play Manchester City or Newcastle in the March 22 final. City leads 2-0 heading into the second leg at home today.

Havertz has final say Havertz played for Chelsea from 2020-23 and his finish that sealed the two-legged win over his old

club wasn’t too dissimilar to the one which saw off Man City and clinched the Champions League title for the Stamford Bridge club in 2021.

Having come on as a 69th-minute substitute on Tuesday, the German forward had the final say when he latched onto Rice’s pass on a counterattack and rounded goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to slot home.

It was virtually the last kick of a scrappy and cagey match that was a contrast to Arsenal's 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge last month.

Chelsea was happy to soak up pressure for the opening hour and stay in the contest.

The visitors then brought on Cole Palmer and Brazilian winger Estevao in an attempt to take the game to Arsenal but found the best defence in England too sturdy to breach, only managing long-range efforts and a couple of dangerous set-pieces.

Arteta’s trophy hunt Arsenal will be looking for a third League Cup title, after 1987 and 1993. The club has been the runner-up

six times, most recently to City in 2018. It would be a second trophy under Arteta — and a first since 2020 when Arsenal won the FA Cup at the end of his first season as manager. Arsenal is seeking a trophy to validate its clear improvement under the Spanish coach in recent years. Aside from its nearmisses in the Premier League, the team has had four straight semifinal exits in various competitions — including to Newcastle in last season’s League Cup.

Pakistan will boycott T20 World Cup match against India

ISLAMABAD (AP) —

Pakistan’s government says the national cricket team will be allowed to take part in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup but must boycott its group game against archrival India.

India and Sri Lanka are co-hosts for the 20-team tournament, which starts Saturday.

Pakistan will play all its games in Sri Lanka — including any in the knockout stage — because of political tensions with India. The two teams are scheduled to meet in a Group A game in Colombo on February 15 in what is often a tournament highlight for fans, broadcasters and organisers alike.

That's looking in doubt this time.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026,” the government posted Sunday on its official X account. “However, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”

No reason was given for Pakistan boycotting the game against India, but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi had criticised governing body ICC for “double standards” by refusing to

ICC says decision will damage cricket

shift Bangladesh’s games to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland for the tournament. Naqvi was vocal in Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh and left the decision of Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup to the government when he briefed Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, on the issue.

ICC criticises decision

The International Cricket Council said in a statement that it was waiting to receive an official communication from the PCB over the planned boycott, while warning against harming "the spirit and sanctity” of the global events.

“This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” the ICC said.

“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.”

The ICC said its priority is to successfully

organise the T20 World Cup and "expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.”

The ICC also said it "hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.”

Pakistan’s first match is against the Netherlands on Saturday in the tournament opener in Colombo. It will then take on the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.

India would be set to receive two points if Pakistan forfeits their game.

A Pakistan vs. India tournament game attracts huge interest and is a significant source of income, through broadcasters and sponsors, for the ICC.

Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral cricket series for the last 14 years, but both nations have regularly been in the same group at ICC tournaments.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who led the team to a 3-0 win in the three-match T20 series

PAKISTAN’s Mohammad Nawaz, centre, celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia’s Cameron Green during the third T20 cricket match between Pakistan and Australia, in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, February 1, 2026. (AP

against Australia on Sunday in Lahore, said he will follow his government's instructions.

“It’s (boycotting game against India) not our decision, we can’t do anything

about it,” Agha said. "We will do whatever our government and the (PCB) chairman say.”

The strained political relations between the two countries spilled onto the

THE WEATHER REPORT

MARINE FORECAST

Rhema Collins named CUSA Player of the Week for third time this year

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

btubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS forward

Rhema Collins continues to excel in her transfer year as a junior with the Florida international University Panthers women’s basketball team.

Collins, who played sparingly as a member of the University of Ole Miss Lady Rebels under Bahamian coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, has flourished in her first season at FIU under coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley. For the third time this year, Collins has been named the CUSA Player of the Week for the period ending February 1, conference officials announced Monday afternoon.  Collins had two great performances in the Panthers' 1-1 week on the road, putting up a game-high 19 points on 6-10 shooting, going 7-8 from the

free-throw line in a 74-61 win over Liberty on Friday, January 30.

She added 11 rebounds to produce her CUSA leading 10th double-double of the season, while playing extremely well on the defensive end of the floor where she stole four passes as well.

Not done yet, the 6'2 guard came back on Sunday, February 1, posting a game-high 20 points with nine rebounds.

But this time they suffered a 51-48 loss to Delaware.

Collins once again had a great defensive game collecting a career-high seven steals, four more than her previous high she turned in earlier this season.

She added the CUSA Player of the Week honours to her first on December 8 when she torched the nets for 40 points against Georgia State before she got her second during the Panthers'

first week road trip of conference-play.

Collins, playing alongside fellow Bahamian guard Denika Lightbounre with the Panthers, will be back in action this weekend when they host Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee on Thursday and Saturday respectively.

The Panthers are currently sporting a 12-8 win-loss record, including an 8-4 mark at home and 4-4 on the road. They have seven more games left to close out the regular season on the road on Saturday, March 7 against Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Following the regular season, the Panthers will gear up for the Conference USA Tournament that is scheduled to run from March 10-14 in Huntsville, Alabama.

Collins, who turned 21 on January 8, is the daughter of Angela and Steve Collins.