MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — FIU's men's basketball program fell 78-56 to Middle Tennessee in Conference USA (CUSA) action to conclude its regular season on Saturday afternoon. 

The Panthers (9-22, 3-15 CUSA) trailed MTSU (21-10, 12-6 CUSA) by 21 at the half and fell by a 23-point margin. Jayden Brewer led FIU in scoring with 15 points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes of action. Ashton Williamson chipped in 14 and Dashon Gittens added eight points. 

FIU trailed by seven early, down 9-2 after a 7-0 MTSU run. The Panthers edged back within two after a three from Williamson with 13:51 left in the opening half. 

The Blue Raiders took control of the game for good with a 31-13 run to close the half. MTSU's hot shooting in the first half was a major factor in building a big advantage as the Blue Raiders shot 54.8 percent from the field and 7-for-17 from deep in the first 20 minutes.

George Pridgett, Jr. appeared late in the game and finished with six points, making all four of his free throws. Onyx Pastoriza and Renato Ruiz also made appearances in the contest in the final minutes. 

UP NEXT

FIU, the 10th-seed, will take on 7th-seeded Western Kentucky to open its time at the Conference USA Championships in Huntsville, Ala. on Tuesday, March 11 at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT. 

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.