SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – FIU men's basketball (9-6, 2-2 CUSA) travels to Springfield, Mo. for the first time in program history to take on Missouri State (9-6, 3-1) for the first time as conference mates. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Eastern at Great Southern Bank Arena.
The Inbound
The Panthers had a rough game on the road at Jacksonville State on Wednesday, grabbing just 21 rebounds and going 4-17 from three. Despite a 14-0 run out of the gate, the Panthers ran into two big runs for the Gamecocks, falling 71-64.
Missouri State was dispatched by Kennesaw State on Wednesday, 90-80. It was the Bears' first-ever CUSA loss.
Series History
These two teams have never met, but will knock heads twice in the 2025-26 season as new conference foes. The Bears are the second-to-last new opponent for the Panthers this year, still having to host Delaware later on.
Overall, this is just the second trip to Missouri in program history for FIU - the last being a 104-54 loss to Kansas City in KC on 2/23/91.
Notable Storylines
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Zawdie Jackson had an impressive night in the loss to the Gamecocks, going 6-8 from the field and scoring 19. It was his 83rd career double-digit scoring game.
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Corey Stephenson had a quiet 17 points against Jax State, the fifth straight game where he has recorded 17 or more. He had several family members in attendance, growing up in Bessemer, Ala.
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Ashton Williamson has put together a nice stretch of games, scoring double-digits in four in a row. He had 10 against Jax State on 5-10 shooting.
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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 Williams Jr. on Saturday.
- The Panthers are first in Conference USA in blocks per game, turnovers forced per game and steals per game.
- FIU is looking to snap an 18-game road losing streak in CUSA play, dating back to the end of the 2022-23 season.
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Jeremy Ballard is two wins from breaking the program record of 108 set by Rich Walker.
UP NEXT
FIU stays on the road, traveling to Kennesaw State for a matchup on Wednesday.
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.
