Men’s Basketball Edges Out Old Dominion in Decisive Road Game

Richard Gibson/Staff Writer 

  The story of FIUs men’s basketball season so far may be that they’re 9-0 at home. However, when it comes to away games, it’s a different story. 

Coming into this game with a 4-5 record on the road, FIU needed to start winning these critical away games. The Old Dominion Monarchs gave FIU everything they had, even securing a lead with little time left in the game. However, FIU rallied late, sealing an 83-80 win.

   This marks the first time in program history that FIU has beaten the Old Dominion Monarchs. Whether at home or on the road, the Monarchs have always had the advantage, and it appeared late in the game that the streak would continue.  

   Old Dominion, despite having a 7-13 record, came ready. They proved themselves to be efficient at the free throw line, and consistently answered FIU’s shots with points of their own. Still, FIU proved itself more accurate from both the free throw line and the three-point line, going 14-20 and 15-34, respectively. 

   With only a four point lead heading into halftime, FIU began to step up defensively, especially with their six blocks and four steals. Their offense wasn’t as successful, and Old Dominion branched out to a nine point lead in the second half. A run by FIU, however, would regain the lead for most of the game. 

   Old Dominion still managed to steal the lead with two minutes to go in the game. For FIU, it would take a layup by Osasumwen Osaghae, a dunk by Devon Andrews, and four free throws made by both Trejon Jacob and Antonio Daye Jr to retake and maintain the lead until the end of the game. 

   FIU finished the game with 35 total rebounds, 20 assists, and 9 turnovers. Eric Lovett was FIU’s leading scorer coming off the bench, with 17 points that include six three-pointers. Osaghae was FIU’s leader in rebounding, with 9 total, and also forced all of FIU’s six blocks. Daye led FIU with 9 assists.

   Old Dominion edged out FIU in total rebounds with 37. They also forced five steals, and only committed six turnovers. They only managed to put up one block, however, and went 7-20 from the three-point line. 

   With this win, FIU is now in fourth place in Conference USA, with a 5-2 conference record and a 14-6 overall record. The three teams above them are the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, and North Texas Mean Green, who are in first place.

   There are only 7 games left in the regular season for the Panthers, and four of them are on the road. This includes their next game against the Charlotte 49ers on Saturday, January 25th. After that, FIU will be back home for three straight games against Marshall (January 30th), Western Kentucky (February 1st), and Florida Atlantic (February 5th).