FORT MYERS, Fla. — FIU's men's basketball program was defeated 60-59 on the road by FGCU on Sunday afternoon to conclude its weekend at FGCU's MTE. 

The Panthers (2-4) erased a 12-point halftime deficit, tying the game with 26 seconds to go after two made free throws from Jonathan Aybar. The Eagles (2-4) made 1-of-2 with 21 seconds to go, giving FIU the final possession with the game on the line for the fourth-straight game. 

Dashon Gittens, the hero in the win over CSU Bakersfield, once again had a chance at a game-winning three with time expiring, but his shot hit the front rim and fell to the floor, sealing FGCU's one-point victory. Jayden Brewer led the scoring effort for FIU with 18 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field, adding eight rebounds.

Aybar was in double-figures as well with 12 points in 23 minutes, going 8-for-11 from the free throw line. Gittens chipped in seven points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. 

Both teams were excellent defensively as the Panthers held the Eagles to 38.2 percent shooting from the field, but shot 38.8 percent on the day. FIU went 16-for-25 (64%) from the free throw line while FGCU was 11-for-15 (73.3%). 

Kole Williams made the first two three-pointers of his college career, finishing with six points in 10 minutes. Asim Jones had seven points and five rebounds in 27 minutes. 

FIU led 30–29 at the half in a matchup that featured seven tie scores and five lead changes. All three of FIU's contests at the FGCU MTE came down to last second shot attempts from Gittens. 

UP NEXT

The Panthers will have a nine-day break before taking on Florida Atlantic at home on Dec. 4. The game will be nationally-televised on CBS Sports Network. 

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