MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program fell to Stetson University at home on Tuesday evening, 80-68, in non-conference play. 

FIU and Stetson (7-5) were tied at 36-36 at halftime before the Hatters opened the second half on a 13-2 run. The Panthers responded in the final 10 minutes with a 10-0 run of its own, tying the score at 63-63 with 5:12 remaining. Stetson had the final say, scoring 17 of the final 22 points to claim a 12-point victory. 

Javaunte Hawkins led the Panthers (4-9) with 17 points on 4-for-9 shooting. Dashon Gittens also scored in double-figures with 13 points, adding six rebounds in 26 minutes. Jaidon Lipscomb had double-digits for his third-straight game, finishing with 11 points. 

As a team, FIU committed a season-low five turnovers while forcing 12 from Stetson. The Hatters did most of their damage from distance, making 14-of-32 attempts at a 43.8 percent clip. Stetson's Jalen Blackmon scored a game-high 28 points while Alec Oglesby added 22 points. The duo combined for 12 of Stetson's 14 three-pointers. 

The Panthers were out-rebounded 49-35. Arturo Dean had just one steal and two points, but added six rebounds and five assists. 

FIU has a quick turnaround with a matchup against Maine on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., its final home game of 2023.