GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands — FIU's men's basketball program battled to a 77-71 defeat at Akron in the opening round of the Cayman Islands Classic on Sunday evening. 

The Panthers (1-4) led by three with 3:43 remaining before the Zips (4-0) ran off a 16-7 run to end the game. 

Petar Krivokapic had a career-high 26 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field, making five threes to lead the FIU offense. 

Arturo Dean stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, nine assists, five rebounds and four steals in a game-high 35 minutes of action. 

Akron's rebounding played a major factor, out-rebounding FIU 41-23. The Panthers were once again strong defensively, forcing 19 turnovers. 

Enrique Freeman posted 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the way for Akron. FIU shot 43.4 percent from the field and 40.0 from three and 73.9 percent from the free throw line. 

The Panthers will take on Marshall tomorrow in the consolation bracket at 5 p.m. in their second game in the Cayman Islands Classic.