CORAL GABLES, FL – Perhaps to the surprise of many, this game was interestingly close for nearly the entire first half. Not only was the game tied at halftime, but FIU was efficient with its shots. They were outshooting UM with a 52.9% FG and a 45.5% 3-point FG.
However, the Panthers just couldn’t get past the offensive onslaught that the Hurricanes brought in the second half. FIU Men’s Basketball lost 98-81 to Miami in the battle for the 305.
Close First Half
The game started off in a 6-6 tie with both programs trading baskets. Miami then utilized the paint to their advantage to go on a 9-0 run to take a 15-6 lead at 14:47.
FIU then picked up the pace later on in the quarter to embark on a 6-0 run, cutting the Canes’ lead to 24-19 thanks to a pair of steal-and-scores from Ashton Williamson and Julian Mackey.
HOW ABOUT ANOTHER FROM COREY 🫡@STBCOREY pic.twitter.com/K90br7Za32
— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) December 17, 2025
With less than eight minutes to go, Williamson hit consecutive threes to bring the game within a basket, down 31-29. Brit Harris would later go on to hit a 3-pointer to tie things up at 32. Corey Stephenson then hit a jump shot to give FIU the 34-32 lead at 5:31.
After three-pointers made by Ashton Williamson and Mackey, FIU had its largest lead at 40-35.
PULL UP, BANG FOR THE LEAD!! 🎯@julian3mackey pic.twitter.com/BCJjmhy5kC
— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) December 17, 2025
In total, there were seven lead changes and five ties during the half, where both teams entered the locker room with 43 points apiece.
Game Slips Away For Good
At the start of the second half, both Hamed Olayinka and Zawdie Jackson traded baskets with the Canes. After it was 48-48, the game got away from the Panthers. UM immediately went on an 8-0 run.
By the 11-minute mark, FIU started getting hot, scoring eight straight points to cut Miami’s lead to five. However, the Canes were able to extend their lead once again, and this time, for good.
Freshman Shelton Henderson was a huge problem for the Panthers. He scored a career-high of 30 points, making 10 of 12 shots from the floor and 10 of 11 from the charity stripe. Henderson also grabbed five boards and dished out a pair of assists.
Malik Reneau was another factor on the court. Miami’s leading scorer added 22 points and 6 rebounds.
The Hurricanes finished the game shooting 53.8% from the floor and beat the Panthers in the paint 54-42.
Jeremy Ballard remarks over FIU’s loss to Miami pic.twitter.com/11ZCMMyod9
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) December 17, 2025
Coach Jeremy Ballard spoke about the difference in FIU’s performance for both halves, saying
“Proud of the effort from our guys, but we came in here to win, not just to be close. We kept it close for a long time, but ultimately, we weren’t solid enough to get it done. Miami shot nearly 74 percent from two, which is a testament to their talent and their scheme, especially their ability to generate paint points.”
“That wasn’t a formula for us to win. We had too many turnovers, and Miami obviously played a role in that. They do a great job of forcing turnovers, and we had too many possessions that simply weren’t FIU possessions.”
Leading Scorers
Corey Stephenson converted on three of his six 3-point attempts for a total of 23 points, six assists, and three steals. He’s the first FIU player with that stat line or better since Brian Beard Jr. had 28, 10, and 4 against Old Dominion on January 12, 2019.
Corey Stephenson is the first Panther with at least 23 points, 6 assists and 3 steals in a game since Brian Beard Jr. had 28, 10 and 4 against Old Dominion on 1/12/19.
Beard Jr. reached those numbers in a game seven times during his FIU career. pic.twitter.com/3hIgDH5kBG
— FIUSportsInfo (@FIUSportsInfo) December 17, 2025
Julian Mackey had his eighth consecutive game in which he scored double figures. He dropped 17 points and grabbed five rebounds.
Thiago Sucatzky saw an increase in minutes with 22 and scored 10 points, along with a pair of assists and steals.
On Deck
The Panthers will host the LIU Sharks this Saturday at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center at 5 PM. ESPN+ will broadcast the game.
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