KENNESAW, Ga. – FIU men's basketball (9-7, 2-3 CUSA) closes a brief three-game road trip looking to snap a skid when it takes on Kennesaw State (10-6, 2-3) for the lone time in 2025-26 on Wednesday. Tip-off at the KSU Convocation Center is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
The Inbound
The Panthers played well on Saturday aided by 18 points from Julian Mackey, but couldn't knock off upstart Missouri State, falling 79-71 in Springfield.
Kennesaw State went 2-0 last week, knocking off Missouri State and Jacksonville State, who both just beat the Panthers
Series History
Of all the teams in Conference USA, Kennesaw State is the one the Panthers have the most success against, going 7-1 in eight meetings, 3-1 in Kennesaw and 3-1 during the Jeremy Ballard era.
FIU split both meetings with the Owls, winning from wire-to-wire in the Miami half 76-61 on Feb. 27 and falling 73-67 in Kennesaw on Feb. 1.
The Panthers' last win at the KSU Convocation Center was before they were conference partners on 12/7/19. The Panthers, who led by 11 at halftime, held off a 51-point onslaught by the Owls in the second half thanks to 20 points from Devon Andrews and 18 points and four blocks from Osasumwen Osaghae, winning 84-81.
Notable Storylines
- It will be a homecoming for three Panthers - Ballard (Atlanta), Zawdie Jackson (Stone Mountain) and Mackey (Grayson). Mackey knocked down three threes and had 18 points in the last game against Missouri State.
- Jackson is also playing a former teammate. He and Jaden Harris on KSU played together at New Mexico State last season.
- Corey Stephenson had a more quiet night than usual on Saturday, scoring just 12 points at Missouri State. He has recorded double figures in all 16 games this season.
- Ashton Williamson has put together a nice stretch of games, scoring double-digits in five in a row. He had 11 in Springfield in the previous game.
- Eric Dibami continues to make a case for CUSA Freshman of the Year, and will battle last week's Freshman of the Week in Trey Simpson on Wednesday. He had 10 and 8 against the Bears.
- FIU is looking to snap a 19-game road losing streak in CUSA play, dating back to the end of the 2022-23 season.
- Ballard is two wins from breaking the program record of 108 set by Rich Walker.
UP NEXT
FIU comes back home to take on Sam Houston State on Saturday.
TICKETS
For more information on FIU men's basketball tickets, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.
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.
