MIAMI — FIU's men's basketball program outlasted Sam Houston for an 85-82  overtime in Conference USA (CUSA) play on Thursday evening. 

Jayden Brewer scored all 11 points in overtime for the Panthers (8-15, 2-7 CUSA), propelling FIU to a three-point win over the Bearkats (8-15, 1-9 CUSA). FIU and Sam Houston were tied at 74-all after two regulation periods as the Panthers and Bearkats traded baskets in the final 12 seconds of regulation. 

Brewer finished the night with a career-high 25 points in 30 minutes of action, making eight field goals, two of them threes, and shooting 7-for-9 from the free throw line. Jonathan Aybar racked up 19 points and nine rebounds in support, his most points scored in his Panther career. 

Asim Jones chipped in 15 points off the bench and had three assists, making all five of his free throw attempts. Ashton Williamson started and added nine points on 4-for-4 shooting. 

As a team, FIU made eight threes in the game, one shy of its season-high and most since an 85-66 defeat of WKU on Jan. 4. The Panthers earned a 2025 series split with the Bearkats and their first CUSA win over Sam Houston. 

In the first half, Sam Houston found its form late, building a 10-point lead with 2:56 left. FIU responded with a 9-0 run to get within one at the half, down 39-38. 

The Panthers carried their momentum in the second half with a 19-4 run, capped by an Aybar layup, to lead 57-49 with 12:10 left. The Bearkats chipped away immediately and took a 62-60 lead with 7:19 left. 

Vianney Salatchoum made a clutch three-pointer with 2:14 left to put FIU up 70-68. With the game tied at 72-all, Dashon Gittens made a putback floater with 12 seconds left, but Sam Houston raced down the floor for a layup to tie it up. Jones had a chance at a running shot in the closing seconds, but Sam Houston's defense sent the game to an extra period. 

In overtime, Brewer made three shots and five free throws to seal the win for the Panthers. 

UP NEXT

FIU will take on Lousiana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

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