EL PASO, Texas — FIU's men's basketball program was defeated by UTEP, 77-63, in Conference USA (CUSA) action on Thursday night. 

The Panthers (8-17, 2-10 CUSA) and Miners (17-7, 7-4 CUSA) were tied at 37-all at the half, but a strong 12-1 run from UTEP midway through the second half gave the Miners a comfortable victory. 

Ashton Williamson and Vianney Salatchoum each scored 12 points to lead the offensive effort. Asim Jones was also in double-digits finishing with 10 points, making two threes. 

Jonathan Aybar finished with four points, bringing his career total to 966, 34 shy of 1,000. Aybar also had 10 rebounds in 23 minutes. Jayden Brewer added 11 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the field. 

As a team, FIU shot 42.9 percent from the field, 28.6 percent from three and 52.9 percent from the free throw line. On the flip side, UTEP shot 50.0 percent from the field, 40.0 from three and 64.3 percent from the charity stripe. 

In the opening half, neither team led by more than six points for the entirety of the first frame. FIU had its biggest lead following an Aybar hook shot in the lane, up six, 32-26, with 5:08 left. 

UTEP immediately responded with a run of its own, closing the half on a 13-3 spurt. Salatchoum knocked down a midrange jumper to close the half with score knotted at 37-37. 

FIU opened the second half well, pulling in front by three, 47-44, following a step-back jumper from Jones with 14:58 to go. 

With the game tied at 53-all in the second half, the Miners ripped off a 20-5 run to take full control of the game. UTEP eventually finished off the game with a 14-point win. 

UP NEXT

The Panthers close out their western road trip at New Mexico State on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. ET. 

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