MIAMI (Dec. 19, 2018) – The Panthers will be back home, Thursday, Dec. 20 at 12 p.m. ET against Alcorn State to tipoff the FIU Holiday Tournament. FIU will welcome Alcorn State, New Mexico State and South Alabama for the tournament.
 
FIU will take on Alcorn State at 12 p.m. ET, while New Mexico State and South Alabama face off at 2 p.m. ET. FIU will face either New Mexico State or South Alabama on Friday at 2 p.m. ET. For full game notes, click here.

LAST TIME AGAINST ALCORN STATE
Thursday's matchup against the Braves will mark the first meeting between the two schools in program history on the hardwood.

SCOUTING THE BRAVES
Alcorn State is 1-8 with their only win coming against Fisk University. Alcorn State has been led by De'Asia Brown who has score 11.1 ppg this season.
 
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Freshman Ce'Nara Skanes has posted two double-doubles this season, being the only Panther to accomplish the feat this season. Skanes' double-doubles came against Georgia State (10pt/12reb) and FAMU (11pt/14eb).
 
HERE WE GO, 2018-19
FIU earned an 8-21 record last season, but it was much improved from 2016-17's mark of 5-24. The Panthers also improved their C-USA mark from 3-15 in 2016-17 to 5-11 in 2017-18.
 
WHAT COMES BACK
The Panthers will welcome back three players who logged minutes last season, with TaMiracle Taylor, Cabria Lee and Shante Walker returning for the 2018-19 season.
 
NEWCOMERS
FIU will welcome seven newcomers to the roster this season, with four juniors and three freshmen making up the seven total.
 
MRS. WORLDWIDE
FIU sports four international players on this season's roster, with three players from Europe and one from north of the border.
 
TEMPORADA TRES
The Panthers will officially enter season three under the direction of head coach Tiara Malcom.
 
GOING UP
Under the guidance of Tiara Malcom, FIU has improved its win total each season. The eight victories last season were also the most by any Panther basketball squad since the 2013-14 season.

LIVE STATS 
Live stats for the game can be found here. 

UP NEXT
After the weekend tilt, the Panthers will be off until Dec. 30 as FIU closes out the non-conference slate against Jacksonville at home. 
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUWBasketball on Facebook and @FIUWBB on Twitter and Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.