MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program cruised past Florida National 110-55 on Thursday night in a home-opening win at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

Okechukwu Okeke led the Panthers with 18 points and FIU had a total of five players scoring in double-digits. The Panthers started the game on a 17-0 run and led 50-25 at halftime. Jayden Brewer and Vianney Salatchoum each had 16 points in support. 

Ashton Williamson added 13 while George Pridgett, Jr. totaled 12 points on four made three-pointers. In total, 12 different Panthers scored in the game. 

Renato Ruiz scored seven points in 10 minutes in his first action of the season, going 3-for-3 from the field. Onyx Pastoriza also made his first appearance of 2024-25, scoring two points and adding four assists. 

As a team, FIU shot 55.6 percent from the field, making 45-of-81 attempts. The Panthers poured in 72 points in the paint and scored 30 points off 23 FNU turnovers. FIU had 15 steals led by Asim Jones' six. 

FIU dominated on the glass as well with 53 total rebounds, 19 offensive. Okeke finished with a double-double, totaling 18 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes. Salatchoum nearly matched that with 16 points and nine rebounds in 14 minutes. 

The Panthers thrilled a raucous crowd of 947 fans at the OBCC with their 110 total points. 

UP NEXT

FIU takes on Howard on Monday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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