MIAMI – FIU men's basketball (11-13, 4-9 CUSA) has a quick turnaround from its previous game, taking on Louisiana Tech (14-10, 7-6) for the first time this year. Tip-off in Miami is at 2:00 p.m.

The Inbound

FIU suffered a heartbreaking loss against Delaware on Thursday, mounting an 18-4 comeback run to tie it with seven seconds left, only for the Fightin' Blue Hens to tip in a shot at the buzzer. FIU has now lost three straight home games.

Louisiana Tech comes to town off a huge 79-78 win at Missouri State and on the heels of back-to-back wins.

Series History
FIU is 8-15 all-time against the Bulldogs and 5-12 as Conference USA foes. Louisiana Tech has won six meetings in a row, including both last season.

The Panthers' last win in the series was a 66-62 win on 2/9/23, aided by 21 points from Denver Jones. FIU also has not beaten the Bulldogs in Ruston since 2001.

Notable Storylines
- Eric Dibami was named Conference USA Freshman of the Week for the second time this season after a big road tour last week, and reinforced it with his first game this week, scoring 15 points and grabbing a career-best 13 rebounds, his sixth career double-double. His 13 rebounds are the most by an FIU freshman since 2021.
- Dibami's six double-doubles in his rookie season move him into a tie with FIU Hall of Famer Dwight Stewart for third-most in a season by a freshman.
- Corey Stephenson was held below 10 points for the first time all season against Delaware, snapping a 22-game streak with just seven points. Nonetheless, he is still 25 points away from 1,000 in his career.
- Zawdie Jackson now has three straight games with 10 or more points after scoring 14 on Thursday.
- Ashton Williamson had 11 points in the last game and three threes, including the game-tying three with seven seconds left.
- Julian Mackey returned last game after a two-game injury absence. He is averaging the second-most points on the team.

UP NEXT

FIU travels to Lynchburg to play Liberty on Thursday, its first CBS Sports game of the season.

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.