LYNCHBURG, Va. — FIU's men's basketball program battled to a 78-69 defeat at Liberty on Thursday evening in Conference USA (CUSA) action. 

The Panthers (7-12, 2-2 CUSA) cut a seven-point halftime deficit to four points with 6:54 to go, but a strong shooting night from the Flames (12-7, 1-3 CUSA) proved to be the difference. As a team, Liberty made 16 threes, eight in each half. 

Javaunte Hawkins had another outstanding night on the offensive end, pouring in 24 points with six made three-pointers in 35 minutes. Arturo Dean was also in double-figures with 13 points, adding a team-high seven rebounds and two steals. 

Seth Pinkney chipped in eight points, adding four offensive rebounds, two steals and one block. As a team, FIU made more field goals than Liberty, shooting 47.5 percent from the field. The Flames shot 13 free throws, making eight, while FIU was 2-for-4 from the charity stripe.

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FIU continues its three-game road trip on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. ET at Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, K.Y.