MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program mounted a furious second-half comeback to defeat IU Indy 75-69 on Saturday night inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Panthers (5-7) trailed the Jaguars (5-9) by 18 early in the second half, but ripped off a 14-0 run to climb back into the contest. Both sides battled down the stretch with FIU taking its first lead, 62-61, with 4:54 to go after two Dante Wilcox free throws. 

Dashon Gittens made a critical three-point basket with 1:41 remaining to give the Panthers' their first two possession lead of the evening. FIU caught fire offensively in the second half, outscoring IU Indy 47-26 in the final 20 minutes, to claim a six point-victory. 

Gittens finished with 15 points on 3-for-4 shooting from distance, adding five rebounds and four assists. Asim Jones also had 15 points in 29 minutes. Vianney Salatchoum contributed on both ends of the floor with 12 points and four blocks, making 6-of-6 free throws. 

Ashton Williamson posted eight points in support, of which included a game-sealing layup with 17 seconds left. Dante Wilcox became FIU's all-time leader in his games played, notching his 124th appearance as a Panther. Wilcox chipped in eight points, making all six of his free throws. 

Travis Gray provided a spark off the bench with five points in 10 minutes, adding two rebounds. 

As a team, FIU shot 43.4 percent from the field and 53.3 percent from three, making 8-of-15 attempts. The Panthers also shot it well from the free throw line, making 21-of-27 attempts. 

UP NEXT

FIU takes on Utah Tech at home on Monday, Dec. 30 for a noon tip-off in its final non-conference game of the season. 

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