MIAMI — FIU men's basketball embarks on its first Conference USA (CUSA) road trip of 2025, traveling to Louisiana Tech for a 7:30 p.m. matchup on Thursday evening. 

The Panthers (7-8, 1-1 CUSA) do battle with the Bulldogs (11-4, 0-2 CUSA) in Ruston, La. for their third CUSA contest and first away game from the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

Thursday, Jan. 9 vs. La Tech

Time/Site: 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT | Thomas Assembly Center

Series History: La Tech leads 13-8

The Panthers are fresh off a dominant 85-66 win over Western Kentucky, outscoring the Hilltoppers 52-29 in the first half. Asim Jones led FIU with a season-high 17 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the free throw line.

Jones sits fourth in CUSA in free throw percentage, shooting 81.4 percent this season. Jayden Brewer continues to have a strong season, pouring in 13.9 points per game, 11th best in CUSA. 

FIU dropped both of its contests to Louisiana Tech last season, falling in a close battle on the road 75-68 and losing to the Bulldogs in Miami, 93-53. 

The Panthers look for their first win against La Tech since a 66-62 win on March 2, 2023. Dashon Gittens played 22 minutes in the victory. FIU's last win in Ruston was a 49-45 victory on Feb. 25, 2001. 

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS

Louisiana Tech fell in both its CUSA road games at UTEP and New Mexico State to open conference play last weekend. 

Daniel Batcho anchors the Bulldog attack with his 18.3 ppg, fourth-most in CUSA. Batcho currently leads CUSA in shooting percentage, shooting 75 percent. 

Guard Sean Newman Jr. leads CUSA in assists with 9.4 assists per game, second-most in the nation. Kaden Cooper  ranks fourth in the conference in rebounding with 7.7 rebounds per game. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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