David Drucker/Contributing Writer
The men’s basketball team completed their last game of 2014 with a 76-55 victory over Florida A&M University. Senior forward Adrian Diaz led the charge for FIU as his team improved its overall record to 7-6.
The Rattlers (0-12) kept the competition close through most of the first half. After FIU gained an early advantage, Florida A&M made three shots in a row to cut the Panthers’ lead to one point at 14-13. FIU dominated from that point on, sinking three triples on their way to putting up 38 first half points. The Panthers shot 53.6% from the field in the first half. The team also kicked into a second gear on defense; they held the Rattlers to just 26.1% shooting in the first half of play. Florida A&M headed into halftime with a large deficit to cover as the Panthers climbed out to a 38-19 lead.
FIU did not have much trouble staying on top of the Rattlers in the second half. Sophomore Ray Rodriguez and senior Marco Porcher Jimenez both contributed three-point baskets in the second half’s early minutes, extending FIU’s lead to 46-23. Diaz was also instrumental in maintaining the Panthers’ momentum; he scored 15 of his team-high 19 points in the second half. The senior had an overall efficient outing, shooting 89% from the floor and grabbing seven rebounds in 24 minutes.
Florida A&M’s best chance at a comeback came when they rattled off a 9-2 run to close the deficit to 16 points in the second half. The Panthers responded, however, with a three-point play by Diaz and a strong team finish to close the game at 76-55.
The Panthers will continue their long road stretch when they travel to Boca Raton to take on Florida Atlantic University on Jan. 4. The 2:00 p.m. game will be FIU’s first conference game of the season.
About Post Author
