MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – On Wednesday, FIU men's basketball (10-11, 3-7 CUSA) will renew a long-standing rivalry with Middle Tennessee (11-10, 5-5), battling the Blue Raiders for the 51st time in program history.

The Inbound
The Panthers have had a week to reset after dropping a tough one to Jax State at home last Wednesday. Despite leading by 15 early in the half, FIU let it slip, falling 78-74.

Middle Tennessee is in the midst of a three-game losing skid, dropping both matchups at home last week to Liberty and Western Kentucky.

Series History
While the Blue Raiders are the third-most common opponent for FIU during their history, meeting 50 times previously, MTSU has had the upper hand. FIU is just 12-38 all-time and 5-19 at the Murphy Center. Jeremy Ballard is 4-8 all-time against them.

The Blue Raiders have won five consecutive meetings in the series, including both last season - a 78-56 win in Murfreesboro on Mar. 8 and a 73-69 win in Miami on Jan. 2.

FIU's last win was on Jan. 28, 2023 in Miami, an 82-74 win that saw Denver Jones drop 21 points and seven boards. The team has not won in its last five trips to Murfreesboro either, with the last one being on Jan. 8, 2021. Antonio Daye, Jr. scored 17 and Radshad Davis added 15 in a 68-55 win.

Notable Storylines
- Corey Stephenson became the lone Panther to have back-to-back 20-point games this season, scoring 20 and hitting a trio of threes against the Gamecocks. He is averaging 17.7 ppg this season and has scored 10 or more in every game.
- Julian Mackey has been in a groove, and continued against the Gamecocks, going 7-7 from the line en route to 14 points in the effort.
- Zawdie Jackson and Hamed Olayinka continued to have strong games, each scoring nine against JSU.
- Of historical opponents for the Panthers, MTSU sits third, just behind WKU, who the Panthers have played 54 times, and FAU, who they have played 53 times.
- Ballard is now tied with Rich Walker for the most wins in school history at 108, and one more would make him stand alone at the top.

UP NEXT

FIU continues the road trip at Western Kentucky 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.