MIAMI – FIU men's basketball (14-15, 7-11 CUSA) will celebrate 305 Day to kick off its final homestand of the season, battling Middle Tennessee (15-14, 9-9) at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Before the game, a tailgate will occur at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center Plaza from 5-7 to celebrate 305 Day.

The Inbound

FIU notched its first win in Ruston in Conference USA history and first since 2001, taking down the Bulldogs 84-76 and earning a split on the road trip. The Panthers drilled a season-high 13 threes, with nine combined from Corey Stephenson and Julian Mackey.

Middle Tennessee has won three in a row, including a thrilling overtime victory over New Mexico State in its last game.

Series History
While the Blue Raiders are the third-most common opponent for FIU during their history, meeting 51 times previously, MTSU has had the upper hand. FIU is just 13-38 all-time and 6-18 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, with Jeremy Ballard going 5-8 against them during his tenure.

FIU snapped a long losing skid against the Blue Raiders in their previous meeting, an 84-80 overtime win in Murfreesboro. Stephenson had a career night, dropping 34 points and clutching up down the stretch to force overtime.

Jan. 28, 2023 was the last win for the Panthers in Miami, losing the last two meetings. Denver Jones scored 21 points as the Panthers won 82-74.

Notable Storylines
- Zawdie Jackson has been one of the Panthers' best players down the stretch in conference play. Over the last eight games, he is averaging 15.8 ppg and 2.9 assists per game. He is seven assists away from 500 in his career.
- Julian Mackey added another double-digit effort in the last game with 16, knocking down a season-best 5 threes in Ruston. He is 15 points away from 1,000 in his career at the NCAA level.
- Corey Stephenson continues to roll for the Panthers. He had another 20-point game at Louisiana Tech, knocking down four threes and scoring 21. He is now the 11th player to record 500 points in a single season at FIU, and had his ninth 20-point game of the season.
- Eric Dibami notched his seventh double-double of the season at Louisiana Tech while also recording a career-high this season. He has been one of the best freshmen in the conference this year, and in program history, moving into third all-time for double-doubles in a season by a freshman. He is tied for fourth in the conference in double-doubles, and one behind Ruben Colon (1989-90) in program history.
- FIU's next win will be tied for their most since the 2021-22 season.

UP NEXT

FIU hosts Western Kentucky on Saturday to close out the regular season with its conference tournament fate to be determined.

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), X (@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.