RUSTON, La. – FIU men's basketball (13-15, 6-11 CUSA) closes out its road portion of the season in what could be its final matchup as conference opponents with Louisiana Tech (16-12, 9-8). Tip-off is at 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.

The Inbound

FIU suffered one of its worst losses of the season at Sam Houston on Thursday, falling 100-67 to the Bearkats.

Louisiana Tech has been awesome at home this season and that continued, earning a two-point win over visiting Missouri State on Thursday.

Series History
FIU is 9-15 all-time against the Bulldogs and 6-12 as Conference USA foes. FIU won the first meeting this season two weeks ago, using a 17-rebound effort from Hamed Olayinka and dominating the Bulldogs 77-64. That win snapped a six-game losing skid in the series history.

It has been an even longer wait for a victory in Ruston for the Panthers, not winning since a 49-45 victory at the Thomas Assembly Center on 2/25/01. FIU has lost eight in a row in Ruston dating back to that game.

Notable Storylines
- Zawdie Jackson has been one of the Panthers' best players down the stretch in conference play. Over the last seven games, he is averaging 15.6 ppg and 3.0 assists, scoring 13 in Huntsville. He is nine assists away from 500 in his career.
- Julian Mackey added another double-digit effort in the last game with 10. He is 31 points away from 1,000 in his career at the NCAA level.
- Corey Stephenson continues to roll for the Panthers. He led the team with 18 points at Sam Houston and is averaging the third-most points in the league at 17.9.
- Eric Dibami neared another double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds at Sam Houston, including five on the offensive glass. He has been one of the best freshmen in the conference this year.
- FIU's next win will be tied for their most since the 2022-23 season.

UP NEXT

FIU hosts Western Kentucky next Thursday on 305 Day, the final homestand of the year.

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.