MIAMI, Fla. – The FIU men's basketball team returns to the Ocean Bank Convocation Center this Thursday (Jan. 5), hosting Charlotte for the first of a crucial three-game Conference USA homestand in Miami.
 
Thursday, Jan. 5 vs. Charlotte (11-3, 2-1 C-USA)

• Time / Site: 7 p.m. at Ocean Bank Convocation Center
• TV: ESPN+ (AJ Ricketts and Stephen Strohm)
• Live Stats
• Tickets
• Game Notes: FIU | Charlotte

 
The Panthers welcome Charlotte inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, where FIU is 6-2 on the season and hosts the 49ers in the first of a three-game homestand on its home court.
 
FIU's won their last two home contests, as the Panthers look to break a four-game skid against the 49ers and earn their first win over Charlotte at home since Jan. 10, 2019 (69-66).
 
Denver Jones (18.3 ppg) recorded his sixth 20-point performance of the season his last time out, while also having buried three or more 3-pointers on five occasions shooting 44.9 percent from beyond the arc overall (22-of-49).
 
Sophomore Petar Krivokapic has emerged over the last five games, averaging 10.4 points while having hit 12 threes at a 46.2 percent clip (12-of-26) and pulling down 3.4 rebounds. Krivokapic's shooting 36.2 percent from 3-point range overall having reached double figures in three of the last five contests.
 
Freshman Arturo Dean (11.8 ppg) ranks second on the squad in scoring having entered the starting lineup over the past four games, while having reached double figures on eight occasions. Classmate Dashon Gittens has proven to be a solid option in the lineup through 13 starts, averaging 8.4 points on 49.4 percent shooting and 37.9 percent from beyond the arc.
 
FIU thrives off its 9.3 steals per game defensively, which lead the C-USA, and will look to speed up Charlotte in Thursday's matchup – forcing 17.5 turnovers per contest (20^th NCAA).
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Panthers fell in their last matchup at Charlotte on Feb. 24, 2022, 64-55, as the 49ers have won the past four matchups.
 
Series History: Charlotte leads 8-5
 
UP NEXT
FIU hosts UAB inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center this Saturday, Jan. 7, for a 7 p.m. matchup 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.