MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program embarks on its 2024-25 campaign on Tuesday evening, taking on the Rice Owls at 7 p.m. ET in Houston. 

The Panthers hit the road to Texas and will take on a familiar opponent in Rice as both teams spent many seasons as Conference USA (CUSA) members. The Owls have since joined the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and will welcome FIU to Tudor Fieldhouse for their season opener. 

Tuesday, Nov. 5 vs. Rice

Time/Site: 7 p.m. ET / Tudor Fieldhouse

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FIU will have an early road game in Houston for the second-straight season after the Panthers defeated Houston Christian 83-74 on Nov. 15, 2023. FIU finished the 2023-24 campaign 11-22 with a 5-11 mark in CUSA play, but held a 9-6 record at home. 

The Panthers look to get 2024-25 off on a positive note on the road, following FIU's 1-12 mark away from home last season. Notably, the Panthers notched their first CUSA Tournament victory since 2018 over Jacksonville State and will return 11 players from last season. 

Dashon Gittens and Jonathan Aybar are expected to play major roles after their 2023-24 campaigns were cut short due to injury. Jayden Brewer can also be counted on to step up offensively, scoring in double-digits in six of the Panthers' final nine CUSA contests last season. 

This trio will lead a group of 11 returners, highlighted by Dante Wilcox, Jaidon Lipscomb, Jaden Grant and George Pridgett Jr., who all earned major minutes last season. Newcomers Ashton Williamson, Vianney Salatchoum, Asim Jones, Kole Williams and Olajuwon Ibrahim should also factor into the rotation. 

SCOUTING THE OWLS

The Owls finished last season with an 11-21 overall record and were 5-13 in AAC play. Rice was picked last in the 2024-25 AAC preseason poll and lost its top two scorers from last season, Travis Evee and Mekhi Mason.

Alex Huseinovic is the Owls' top returning scorer, averaging 7.8 ppg last season. Andrew Akuchie, a 6-11 center, will also be a factor on the frontline for Rice. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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