MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program will host nearby-Florida National in its 2024-25 home opener on Thursday evening inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

Tip-off between the Panthers (0-2) and Conquistadors (0-4) is slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. FIU is 6-1 in home openers in seven seasons under head coach Jeremy Ballard.

Thursday, Nov. 14 vs. Florida National

Time/Site: 7 p.m. ET / Ocean Bank Convocation Center
 

FIU welcomes FNU following an 0-2 road trip to start the season, suffering close defeats to both Rice and Southern Utah. Jayden Brewer is off to a great start offensively, averaging 20.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg. Travis Gray had also been a bright spot for the Panthers, scoring a combined 24 games in his first two games of the bench. 

Freshman guard Ashton Williamson has made an instant impact with 10.0 ppg and a team-best eight assists and five steals. The Gary, Ind. native has played an average of 32.0 minutes in his first two games as a reserve. 

The Panthers have won a combined 31 games at home over the last three seasons and have an overall record of 61-33 inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center under Ballard. 

SCOUTING FNU

Florida National, an NAIA program, enters this matchup in search of its first victory. FNU has lost its first four games to Keiser, Florida Memorial, St. Thomas and Ave Maria. 

To note, head coach Daniel Pressman worked on Ballard's staff as an assistant for several seasons. 

Cameron Johnson is averaging 18.5 ppg to lead the Conquistadors' scoring output. Caelum Ethridge and Gary Adams have scored 9.3 ppg and 8.5 ppg, respectively, in support. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUHoops), Twitter (@FIUHoops), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensBball) for all the latest Men's Basketball news.

General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.