Panthers start their road trip on a high note

By Steven Melendez/Staff Writer

 

The FIU men’s basketball team started off their two-game road trip with a 65-53 victory against USF on Dec. 11,2017. The Panthers (5-4) secured their third-straight victory and their first ever win at the Sun Dome.

FIU was led by junior guard Brian Beard Jr., who finished with a season-high 28 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals.

Following his performance against USF, the junior guard elaborated on the game and discussed his offensive game.

“My shots were falling, I was going to the hole and I was making floaters,” said Beard Jr. “Then my three-ball started to fall, which it hasn’t fallen all season, so as soon as that started falling I was seeing a big rim.”

FIU started off the game slow shooting below 30% in the first 10 minutes of the first half. However, junior guard Eric Lockett and Beard Jr. were on a mission to keep FIU in the game combining for 20 of the teams 24 first half points.

For the game, Lockett continued to dominate finishing with 18 points on 72.7% shooting (8-for-11), to go with 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal.

Another player that was able to step up big in the second half was junior forward Hassan Hussein, who finished with 13 points on 62.5% shooting (5-for-8).

Outside of Lockett, Beard Jr and Hussein, the rest of the team combined to shoot just 4% (1-for-25) for the game.

The team was able stay in the game because of their focus and toughness on the defensive end holding USF to just 33.3% (20-for-60) from the field for the game. Head coach Anthony Evans spoke about his team’s performance and how important defense is for this team.

“You always have to play good defense, especially on the road,” said Coach Evans. “When you’re in a hostile environment you got to be consistent. That’s the only thing you can be consistent in,”

This win was obviously a big one for FIU, as the team managed to go over .500 for the first time since starting the season 1-0. Coach Evans spoke about the importance of this win and what it means for the team moving forward.

“It’s huge,” said Coach Evans. “Anytime you get a team that hasn’t been together for a long time, and they start to gel and trust each other and the coaches, it’s good to see them get rewarded by getting the win.”

Next for the Panthers, they will be finishing their two-game road trip when they face the North Florida Ospreys on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m. at UNF arena.

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