MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program hosts Utah Tech on Monday at Noon inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
The Panthers (5-7) host the Trailblazers (4-10) for a mid-day tilt which will double as their final non-conference game and final game of the 2024 calendar year.
Monday, Dec. 30 vs. Utah Tech
Time/Site: Noon ET / Ocean Bank Convocation Center
TV: ESPN+
FIU looks for its second-straight win at home following a dramatic comeback victory over IU Indy, 75-69 on Dec. 21. The Panthers erased an 18-point deficit to secure their third win at home this season.
In the win, Dashon Gittens and Asim Jones both had 15 points to lead the scoring effort. Vianney Salatchoum contributed on both ends of the floor with 12 points and four blocks, making 6-of-6 free throws.
FIU matched up with Utah Tech for the first time in program history last season on Dec. 30, 2024. The Panthers and Trailblazers battled in an 'instant classic' as Javaunte Hawkins hit a buzzer-beater three to send the game into overtime. FIU was outscored 13-9 in the overtime period, however, as Utah Tech claimed the 96-92 win on its home floor in St. George, Utah.
This will be FIU's second and final matchup in this year's edition of the CUSA-WAC scheduling initiative. The Panthers were previously defeated 80-75 at Southern Utah on Nov. 9.
SCOUTING UTAH TECH
The Trailblazers enter this contest riding a two-game win streak, defeating Whittier College and South Dakota in their last matchups. Utah Tech is yet to win a road game this season and will look to notch their first win away from home in Miami.
Beon Riley, Hawai'i transfer, leads Utah Tech with 14.5 ppg, most recently scoring 21 points in the win over South Dakota. Noa Gonsalves is another scorer for the Trailblazers, averaging 13.4 ppg. Gonsalves notched 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting from deep when the two teams played last season.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
