MIAMI – The FIU men's basketball team posted its seventh straight victory and matched its best start to a season in three years with a 77-61 victory over Florida Gulf Coast University on Wednesday night at Ocean Bank Arena.
 
The Panthers used an extended and decisive 22-7 run over the final 9:27 to turn what had been a tightly played contest into a convincing 16-point victory. 
 
FIU held a one-point advantage at 55-54 when a three pointer by senior Isaiah Banks started the surge, which also saw the Panther defense limit Florida Gulf Coast to just three field goals during the game-clinching stretch.
 
Junior Tevin Brewer led all players with 24 points to pace FIU in the win.  He also notched a game-high seven assists as the Panthers registered helpers on more than 50 percent of their field goals for the seventh time in their opening eight contests.
 
Banks added 16 points, while shooting 7-of-9 from the field and 2-of-3 from long distance.  He led the Panthers on the glass with seven rebounds.  Graduate transfer Clevon Brown added 11 points to round out the double-digit scorers for FIU.  Freshman Aquan Smart came off the bench and contributed seven points and three steals.
 
The win moves the Panthers overall mark to 7-1 – which matches the best start for the program since the 2018-19 campaign – which also saw FIU run off a 7-1 mark over its first eight games.  Florida Gulf Coast slips to 6-3 following the loss.
 
While the game was tight early on, the Panthers led for the majority of the contest as they only trailed for a total of 4:19.  FIU's defense was a factor all evening as the Panthers forced 20 FGCU turnovers and converted them into 22 points.
 
The Eagles were led in defeat by Cyrus Largie, who posted 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers conclude the current four-game homestand on Saturday, Dec. 4 vs. Stetson.
 
Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET from the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 
 
The game will air on PantherVision on Conference USA TV.
 
TICKETS
For more information on FIU tickets to FIU basketball home games, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit HERE.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUHoops), Twitter (@FIUHoops), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensBball) for all the latest Men's Basketball news.
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.