LAS CRUCES, N.M. — FIU's men's basketball program fell to New Mexico State, 76-48, on Saturday evening in Conference USA (CUSA) play. 

The Panthers (8-19, 2-11 CUSA) trailed the Aggies (13-12, 6-6 CUSA) by 11 at the half, eventually falling by a 28-point margin. Jayden Brewer led all FIU scorers with 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting from the field. Vianney Salatchoum added eight points, six rebounds, one block and one steal in 26 minutes of action. 

Jonathan Aybar also had six rebounds and chipped in five points, bringing his career total to 971 points. Travis Gray added six rebounds and five points off the bench, making 3-of-4 free throw attempts. 

As a team, the Panthers shot just 30.4 percent from the field and 2-for-15 from three. New Mexico State shot 46.2 percent and made 11 threes on 22 attempts. FIU also had 14 turnovers while NMSU had just four. 

FIU and NMSU battled early on as an Asim Jones midrange jumpshot brought the Panthers within one, down 11-10 with 13:16 left. New Mexico State made its first push with 7:51 to go, however, stretching a three-point lead at 19-16 to an 18-point lead at 37-19 with 1:29 left. From that point, FIU went on a 7-0 run to close the half, trailing 37-26 at the halftime break. 

NMSU maintained and then stretched its advantage to the finish line, ahead by as many as 29 late in the frame. 

UP NEXT

FIU takes on Liberty in Lynchburg, Va. on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUHoops), Twitter (@FIUHoops), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensBball) for all the latest Men's Basketball news.

General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.