MIAMI, Fla. – The FIU men's basketball team prepares to close its nonconference slate Thursday evening (Dec. 29), hosting Florida College inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center for a 7 p.m. tip.
 
Thursday, Dec. 29. vs. Florida College (12-3, 3-0 CAC)

• Time / Site:  7 p.m. at Ocean Bank Convocation Center
• TV: CUSA.tv
• Tickets
• Radio: FIU3932 Sports
• Live Stats
• Game Notes
• Series History: FIU leads 2-0

 
The Panthers welcome the Falcons inside Ocean Bank Convocation Center looking to extend its win streak heading into the remainder of Conference USA action, as Florida College enters Thursday's matchup ranked 10^th in the NAIA Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
 
Last time out, FIU collected a much-needed win over Incarnate Word, 79-74, to bounce back into the win column after suffering a four-game skid prior to the victory. The Panthers are 5-2 inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center this season, as FIU will host four of its next five through C-USA action.
 
The Panthers shot 51.9 percent from the floor in last Wednesday's win over the Cardinals, seeing FIU shoot 47.7 percent overall on the season, as Denver Jones (17.7 ppg) recorded his fifth 20-point performance and ninth outing in double figures this season with a team-high 20 points. Freshman Dashon Gittens nailed a career-high three 3-pointers (3-of-5) en route to 15 points, as the first-year guard ranks second on the squad at 39.3 percent from beyond the arc.
 
Sophomore guard Petar Krivokapic tallied season-highs with 14 points on four 3-pointers (4-of-7), as the Budva, Montenegro, native has warmed up from 3-point range shooting 7-of-15 from deep over the last three games (46.7%).
 
Freshman Arturo Dean continues to impress in his rookie campaign, averaging 12.0 points as the Panthers' second-leading scorer on 47.9 percent from the floor. Additionally, Dean's defensive prowess paces the team with 2.4 steals per game, ranking second amongst the Conference USA.
 
As a team, FIU's excels defensively at 10.0 steals per game – ranked 15^th in the nation for the category – while forcing 17.6 turnovers per game, seeing the Panthers notch 36 points off 20 Incarnate Word turnovers last time out.
 
SCOUTING FLORIDA COLLEGE
Florida College enters Thursday's matchup 12-3 on the season, including a 3-0 mark in the Capital Athletic Conference, while ranking 10^th in the NAIA Top 25 as reigning CAC champions.
 
The Falcons are currently on a two-game skid, falling to Bethel University 88-81 in their last contest on Dec. 17, as Thursday's meeting marks the third all-time between Florida College and FIU – seeing FIU lead 2-0. Florida College averages 86.8 points on 49.7 percent shooting, including an average of 9.7 threes per game on 38.3 percent beyond the arc. The Falcons have four players score in double figures, led by Matt Simpson at 16.7 ppg and Ladarron Cleveland at 14.8 ppg, while Simpson also leads the squad at 5.5 rebounds per game.
 
UP NEXT
FIU travels to face North Texas on Saturday, Dec. 31, for a 4 p.m. ET matchup in Denton to be broadcast 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.