MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program defeated Western Kentucky 85-83 in Conference USA (CUSA) play on Saturday evening inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

Javaunte Hawkins equaled his career-high with a 27-point performance that included several clutch shots down the stretch, none more important than a top-of-the-key jumper in the lane with less than six seconds to go to put FIU ahead 85-83. Following a timeout, WKU had a final shot at the buzzer which hit the front rim to secure the Panthers their fifth home CUSA victory of the season. 

Hawkins knocked down six three-pointers for the Panthers, most notably a corner three to put the Panthers up 83-82 with 57 seconds left. In the first half, FIU outscored Western Kentucky 44-31. Jaidon Lipscomb powered the Panther offense with four threes in the opening half. 

The Hilltoppers erased a 16-point second half deficit and took their first lead with less than five minutes remaining. Hawkins then took the game over with the final 11 points for the Panthers. Lipscomb finished with five made threes and 15 points for FIU, matching a season high. Jayden Brewer was active all game and had 15 points off the bench in 27 minutes. As a team, FIU shot 50.0 from the field and from three, making 14 three-pointers.

The Panthers held the Hilltoppers to 33.3 percent shooting from deep and 45.8 percent from the field. FIU forced 11 turnovers and blocked eight total shots. Seth Pinkney also had a key basket late and posted six points and three blocks in 17 minutes.  Okechukwu Okeke had a strong effort on the inside as well with six points, six rebounds and four blocked shots. 

The Panthers honored graduating seniors Pinkney and Hawkins pre-game for their contributions to the program.


UP NEXT

The Panthers have their final CUSA road trip next, taking on UTEP and New Mexico State on March 7 and 9, respectively, to close out the regular season. FIU will then travel to Huntsville, Ala. for the CUSA Championships, which run March 12-16.