ST GEORGE, Utah — FIU's men's basketball team was defeated 96-92 in overtime in a dramatic contest at Utah Tech on Saturday evening. 

Trailing by three with just 38 seconds remaining in regulation, FIU forced a turnover and Javaunte Hawkins knocked down a clutch three to tie the score at 80-all. Utah Tech's Jaylen Searles answered with a three-pointer with seven seconds to go, setting the stage for another cold-blooded shot from Hawkins. 

The senior guard raced down the court and heaved up a long three, of which banked in with just .9 seconds to go, forcing the extra period. FIU (5-10) was down four early in overtime to the Trailblazers (9-5) and, despite another clutch triple from Hawkins, suffered a 96-92 defeat. 

Hawkins' 27 points are a career-high for the senior, eclipsing his previous best of 22 against both Kennesaw State on Nov. 26, 2023 and Eastern Michigan on Dec. 11, 2021. Arturo Dean battled with foul trouble, but still poured in 21 points on 8-for-17 shooting, adding six steals and five rebounds. 

Jaidon Lipscomb earned his first start and scored in double-figures with 13 points, his fifth-straight game with 10-plus points. Mohamed Sanogo scored 12 points off the bench in 20 minutes. 

As a team, FIU forced 25 turnovers, its fourth game this season with over 25 turnovers forced. The Panthers had 15 steals and scored 34 points off of Utah Tech miscues. FIU shot just 14-of-32 from the free throw line was out-rebounded 58-34. 

UP NEXT

The Panthers prepare for their Conference USA opener on Saturday, Jan. 6, traveling to Jacksonville State for a 5 p.m. ET tip-off on ESPN+.