MIAMI – FIU men's basketball (11-12, 4-8 CUSA) plays host to Delaware (7-16, 3-9) for the first time in program history on Thursday. Tip-off is at 7:00 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Inbound

FIU split its road trip to Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky, winning against the Blue Raiders in overtime and falling 80-70 at Western Kentucky. Corey Stephenson scored 34 points in the first game at MTSU.

Delaware had a solid split at home last week as well, falling by six to league leader Liberty and also winning in overtime against Middle Tennessee.

Series History
These two squads have never met in program history. Delaware is taking its maiden voyage in Conference USA this season and meeting a lot of these teams for the first time.

Notable Storylines
- Eric Dibami was named Conference USA Freshman of the Week for the second time this season after a big road tour. He had his fifth career double-double at MTSU and followed with 14 points at WKU. He averaged 12.0 ppg and 8.5 rpg en route to the award, and has had a solid stretch of games lately.
- Stephenson continues to make a case for CUSA Player of the year, adding another 14 points against the Hilltoppers. He's scored double digits in all FIU games this season, and has three straight games where he has made three or more threes.
- Zawdie Jackson led the team with 17 points in Bowling Green, his 87th career double-digit scoring game.
- FIU SID Tyler Gallo is from Hockessin, Delaware and worked for the Blue Hens with Martin Ingelsby's staff during the 2022-23 season.
- Brit Harris has back-to-back games of nine points, hitting some important shots for the Panthers over the last two games.
- Ballard now stands alone with 109 career wins as head coach of the Panthers.

UP NEXT

Louisiana Tech comes to town for the teams' first meeting in 2025-26.

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.