Kevin Calcagno/ Contributing Writer
The FIU men’s basketball team was swept by the Charlotte 49ers in last weekend’s doubleheader by scores of 55-63 and 65-68.
FIU came into the series with a five-game losing streak, now extended to seven games. The Panthers lost their slight historically edge over the 49ers, which is now 5-6 in Charlotte’s favor.
The Panthers’ overall record has now fallen to 8-10, and their Conference-USA record is 2-8. They remain ranked second to last out of the seven teams in the Eastern Division of C-USA.
Game one of the doubleheader was an offensive struggle for both teams. After five minutes had passed, only two points were scored by Charlotte, and that was it.
Charlotte was eventually able to get into an offensive rhythm, but FIU was not, scoring on 26.6% of their shots. The Panthers played well defensively, forcing the 49ers to turn the ball over 22 times, but they were unable to take advantage on offense.
The Panthers’ defense kept them in the game, and they even took a late lead off of a three-pointer from guard Jonathan Nunez, but Marshall’s Jahmir Young scored another three-pointer to tie the game and send it to overtime.
In overtime, FIU’s offensive struggles continued, but Marshall found their footing and scored six unanswered points to seal the game. The Panthers fell to the 49ers by a score of 55-63.
FIU guard/forward Eric Lovett earned a double-double, scoring 14 points and earning 12 rebounds. Guard Tevin Brewer led the Panthers in assists with five total.
Game two started off with both teams scoring efficiently, contrasting the beginning of game one. Lovett started the game scoring three straight three-pointers. The Panthers extended their lead to 10 points, but an offensive surge from the 49ers cut the deficit five right before halftime.
Charlotte outscored FIU in the second half 34-26, once again pulling away at the end of the game to defeat the Panthers by a score of 68-65.
For the Panthers, Lovett scored 17 points, and forward Dimon Carrigan collected eight rebounds, including three on offense. Once again, Brewer led FIU in assists with five total.
Following a matchup against the Florida Memorial Lions on Monday, the Panthers will take on the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners on Friday, February 12th at 9 p.m, and Saturday, February 13th at 9 p.m.
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