MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program used a second-half flurry to defeat Maine 82-74 on Thursday evening in non-conference play inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

FIU trailed 36-35 at the half before making a run midway through the final period to take control of the game. Ahead by just one with 13:21 remaining after a Jaidon Lipscomb three-pointer, the Panthers' defense turned up the pressure and forced three consecutive turnovers in the back-court, all three of which were Arturo Dean steals. 

FIU converted all three Maine miscues into points and grabbed a commanding 53-45 lead with 12:47 to go, maintaining that advantage to the finish line. 

Javaunte Hawkins earned the start and led the scoring for the Panthers with 20 points in a season-high 31 minutes on an efficient 7-of-14 from the field. Dean was also effectively offensively with 14 points, adding six rebounds, three on the offensive glass. 

George Pridgett, Jr. made 3-of-7 three-point attempts on his way to a season-high 12 points. Lipscomb did his damage from distance as well, making three triples and scoring 11 points. He provided the game-sealing three with the shot clock expiring with just 2:14 remaining to put FIU up by 8. 

Dashon Gittens chipped in six points and added a season-high seven assists. As a team, FIU outscored Maine 47-38 in the second half to claim the victory, the first in Panther program history over Maine. The Panthers had 15 offensive rebounds and out-rebounded Maine 43-26. 

UP NEXT
FIU will take on Utah Tech in St. George, Utah on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. ET to close out its non-conference slate. 

TICKETS
For more information on FIU tickets to FIU basketball home games, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.
 
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