MIAMI (Jan. 7, 2012) - Shooting just 32.8 percent from the floor (19-of-58), the FIU men's basketball team (4-11, 1-2 SBC) suffered a 54-50 loss to the ULM Warhawks (2-15, 1-3 SBC) on Saturday night at U.S. Century Bank Arena.

FIU fell behind in the first half, trailing by 10 points at 31-21 on 8-of-27 shooting from the floor (29.6 percent) and 28.6 percent from beyond the arc (2-of-7). The Panthers battled back in the second stanza, out-scoring the Warhawks, 29-23, but could not overcome the first-half deficit, dropping the team's 11th game of the season. Despite out-scoring ULM in the second half, FIU continued to struggle from the floor, shooting just 35.5 percent (11-of-31) from the floor.

Three Panthers scored in double-figures, led by sophomore Phil Taylor, who posted a game-high 19 points. The Marietta, Ga., native converted 6-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range. Sophomore Dominique Ferguson posted 12 points and grabbed nine boards versus the Warhawks, while senior Jeremy Allen scored 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting from the field.

The Panthers held ULM to 34.6 percent shooting on the night, as the Warhawks shot just 18-of-52 from the floor. ULM converted nine treys, shooting 39.1 percent from downtown. The Warkhawks out-rebounded FIU, 40-38.

Leading the way offensively for the Warhawks was Fred Brown, who poured in 16 points. Steve McClellan (10 points) and Charles Wilborne (10 points) also scored in double-figures.

The loss marked the third of the season for the Panthers at home and snapped a two-game winning streak versus ULM.

FIU will next host Middle Tennessee on Thursday, Jan. 12. Game time is 7:30 p.m. ET. Prior to the contest, the FIU women's team will take on the Blue Raiders at 5:30 p.m.

For ticket information, contact the FIU Ticket Office at 305-FIU-GAME.

FIU NOTES

- Tonight's loss gives ULM a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series with FIU and marks Head Coach Isiah Thomas' first-career loss to the Warhawks. The Panthers are now 2-1 under Thomas' tenure against ULM.

- FIU is now 3-11 in Sun Belt Conference home openers.

- Three Panthers scored in double-figures led by senior Phil Taylor with 19 points, marking his third-straight double-figure scoring affair. Sophomore Dominique Ferguson also notched his third-consecutive double-figure scoring game with 12 points, and senior Jeremy Allen chipped in with 10 points, good for his fourth-straight double-figure performance.

- Sophomore Dominique Ferguson recorded two blocks to put his career total at 49. Ferguson needs three blocks to move into a tie for ninth place on the FIU career blocked shots chart.

- Junior Brandon Moore posted a team-high-tying nine rebounds on the night to tie a career high in the category. Additionally, Moore's four blocks against the Warhawks mark a program-high by a single player against ULM.

- FIU went 5-of-16 from three-point range to extend the Panthers' streak of converting at least one three-pointer to 99-straight games. The streak dates back to Dec. 20, 2008.

- Senior Jeremy Allen and sophomore Dominique Ferguson each started and played in their 35th-straight contest versus ULM. In addition, Allen posted his ninth-straight contest with a three-pointer and has now made 10-consecutive free throws.