MIAMI – The FIU men's basketball team put together an energized effort on both ends of the floor to fuel a second-half rally that erased an early deficit and sent a raucous Ocean Bank Convocation Center crowd home celebrating a 70-66 victory over Marshall on Thursday night.
 
A trio of Panthers finished with double-figure scoring efforts, led by junior Tevin Brewer, who recorded 19 points and handed out four assists.  Javaunte Hawkins tabbed 17, including a key 13 to spark the second-half run.  Clevon Brown notched his second double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
 
The two teams battled back and forth in the opening 20 minutes with Marshall extending its lead to as much as six, before entering halftime clinging to a slim two-point edge.  The Herd widened the margin to eight at 39-31 with 16:48 remaining in regulation.
 
From there it was all FIU as the Panthers ripped off a 10-0 spurt before eventually reclaiming the lead for good with 9:05 left on a jumper by Hawkins that made the score 55-53.  FIU would go on to extend its lead to as many as 11 points before holding on down the stretch to secure the win.
 
The Panthers were exceptionally hot from beyond the arc in the second half as it connected on 5-of-9 attempts from deep.  For the game, the Panthers finished with a 46.7 clip from the field, while limiting Marshall to a 40-percent effort.
 
FIU also won the battle on the glass as it outrebounded the Herd 44-30 and won the points in the paint battle 38-28.  The Panthers reserves also outperformed Marshall's by a 22-5 margin.
 
Marshall was paced in defeat by Taevion Kinsey, who scored a game-high 25 points while adding six rebounds.
 
With the win, the Panthers improve to 11-7 and 1-4 in Conference USA action.  FIU is also 8-1 on its home floor.  Marshall slips to 7-11 and 0-5 in league play following the defeat.
 
UP NEXT
FIU hosts Western Kentucky in a 7 p.m. tip at Ocean Bank Arena on Saturday, Jan. 22.
 
The Panthers-Hilltoppers clash will be aired live on ESPN+.
 
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.