ORLANDO — FIU's men's basketball program fell in its season opener at UCF 85-62 on Monday night. 

FIU kept up with UCF in the second half, being outscored by one point, but a late first half run from the Knights proved the difference. With the Panthers down by just eight with 4:56 left, UCF went on a 16-2 run to end the first half. 

Dashon Gittens led the scoring with 11 points and added two assists and two steals. Petar Krivokapic scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, adding five rebounds. Javaunte Hawkins knocked down all three wins and finished with nine points. 

Jayden Brewer had a team-high six rebounds and nine points. As a team, the Panthers shot 36.2 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three, making 24-of-32 free throws. UCF shot 50.0 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from three, making 16-of-23 free throws. 

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FIU has its home opener versus Tarleton State on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. EST.