MIAMI —  FIU's men's basketball program raced past Liberty 76-71 in Conference USA (CUSA) play on Thursday night inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Panthers (9-18, 4-8 CUSA) notched their fourth home win in CUSA play with a solid all-around performance against the Flames (16-11, 5-7 CUSA) on Thursday evening. Arturo Dean and Javaunte Hawkins each had 20-plus points to lead FIU on the offensive end. 

FIU went into the halftime locker room with a three-point lead, ahead 37-34, and came out firing with a 10-0 run to begin the second half. The Panthers led by double-digits early in the final stanza, but a big response from Liberty brought the Flames back in front with 7:42 to go. 

The Panthers showed their resolve in fending off a pesky Flame squad as both Dean and Hawkins hit clutch threes in the final four minutes to secure the result. Trailing 74-71, Liberty had a chance at a game-tying shot with under 10 seconds remaining, of which hit the rim and was rebounded by Dean to finish off the contest. 

Dean poured in 24 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and one steal in 33 minutes of action. Hawkins found his form again, knocking down three three-pointers on his way to 20 points. The senior guard also added a team-high six rebound and five assists. 

Seth Pinkney produced a strong effort inside with nine points, three blocks and four rebounds. Jayden Brewer was in double-figures with 10 points, making 6-of-9 free throw attempts. 

As a team, FIU out-rebounded Liberty 37-31 and had just seven turnovers. Defensively, the Panthers blocked nine shots and scored 16 points off turnovers. 

UP NEXT

FIU looks to continue its home success, taking on Jacksonville State on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. ET inside the OBCC.