DELAND, Fla. — FIU's men's basketball program notched a convincing 81-72 victory over Stetson on Saturday evening in non-conference action.
Jayden Brewer led the Panthers (4-6) with 20 points, of which included several highlight-reel plays on the offensive end. As a team, FIU stormed out to a 47-28 lead at the half and led for 38-of-40 minutes.
Asim Jones went 8-for-10 from the free throw line and scored 12 points, adding four assists and three rebounds. Vianney Salatchoum was also in double-figures with 11 points in 25 minutes.
Jonathan Aybar attacked the glass all night, racking up 11 rebounds and chipping in eight points and four assists. The Panthers shot a blistering 54 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, making 19-of-35 shot attempts.
A stifling defensive effort in the first half limited Stetson to just 27 percent shooting overall and 2-for-12 from distance. In the first half, Brewer was the catalyst in the Panthers opening their first significant advantage, scoring three-straight baskets in transition to put FIU up 24-16.
Jones picked the pocket of a Stetson player with 1:45 to go and went coast-to-coast for a lay-in to give FIU its largest lead of the half and game, ahead 43-24.
In the second half, the Hatters responded and cut their deficit to as little as seven with 5:06 to go. A resilient FIU team responded by trading baskets and free throws down the stretch to close out the nine-point victory.
The victory for FIU is its first true road win of the season and first since the Panthers defeated Houston Christian on Nov. 15, 2023. FIU also avenged an 80-68 defeat from Dec. 19, 2023 at home, handing the Hatters a loss on their home floor.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will look to build on their road success, matching up with East Carolina in Greenville, S.C. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
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