RUSTON, La. — FIU's men's basketball program continues its Conference USA (CUSA) road trip with a matchup at Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. ET. 

The Panthers (8-17, 3-7 CUSA) take on the Bulldogs (17-8, 7-3 CUSA) on Saturday evening to close out their second-to-last road trip of the regular season. FIU was previously defeated by Louisiana Tech on Feb. 1 in Miami. 

After a 2-1 start in CUSA play, the Panthers have lost 6-of-7 and are looking to build momentum before the upcoming CUSA Tournament. FIU, which is 7-5 at home, returns to the Ocean Bank Convocation Center for its final three home games of the season following its meeting with La Tech. 

The Panthers most recently suffered a 70-56 defeat at Sam Houston on Thursday. Jayden Brewer had a team-high 15 points to lead FIU.

Arturo Dean had three steals to add to his national lead of 86 total steals. Dean is approaching the single-season record at FIU, of which is held by Brian Beard, who racked up 101 total steals in 2018-19. 

SCOUTING LA TECH

Louisiana Tech is 12-1 at home this season and most recently defeated Jacksonville State 63-58 on Thursday at home. This snapped a two-game CUSA losing streak for the Bulldogs, whom fell to Western Kentucky and Liberty after their victory over FIU. 

Daniel Batcho had a 20-point double-double in the first meeting between these two teams and provides a force for La Tech inside. Tahlik Chavez made seven threes in that game to lead the Bulldogs with 27 points. 

Isiaiah Crawford, the Preseason CUSA Player of the Year, averages 15.7 ppg for La Tech, third-best in CUSA. Crawford, Batcho and Chavez all rank within the top-10 in scoring in CUSA.