FIU MBB Can’t Finish Second-Half Comeback, Fall in Conference Opener to JSU

Despite an impressive second half, it wasn’t enough for FIU Men’s Basketball to get past the C-USA newcomer, Jacksonville State, by a score of 70-63.

FIU and Jax State struggled to hold on to the ball in the first half, but the Gamecocks did just enough to pull away with an 11-point lead at halftime.

That double-digit deficit eventually fell into an 18-point disadvantage a few minutes into the second half. Aside from Jayden Brewer’s 10 points in the first half, there was much left to be desired from the Panthers on Saturday night.

That was until Panthers forward Okechukwu Okeke took to the floor. The JUCO transfer from Tallahassee Community College checked in for the first time in the second half, scoring 12 points on 6-for-10 shooting and collecting three rebounds.

He entered Saturday averaging seven minutes per game but stayed in for 15 during the second half.

Things started to turn for the Panthers midway through the second half when they forced four turnovers in a little over three minutes. FIU came into Saturday averaging the third-most steals per game in the nation with 11.8 per game.

That turnover spit led to a subsequent 15-2 run for the Panthers over four minutes to bring them within five points.

At one point, FIU held Jacksonville State without a field goal for a little over four minutes and was able to get within three points with 2:48 left in the game.

A three-pointer by Jacksonville State Guard Kyky Tandy extended the Gamecocks lead to 64-58.

With 1:37 left in the game, FIU guard Javaunte Hawkins hit a three-pointer to bring FIU within three points. But after a series of intentional fouls in the waning minute, Jacksonville State hit four free throws, while FIU didn’t score again after getting possession back.

Hawkins finished with 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting, with a couple of buckets from beyond the three-point line.

After leading FIU scoring with 10 points in the first half, Jayden Brewer was held to zero field goals in the second half, scoring only on three free throws.

The loss drops the Panthers record to 5-11, but they’ll be back home for a matchup against the New Mexico State Aggies on Thursday, January 11th at 7pm.