TAKEAWAYS – Panthers Drop CUSA Opener In Nail-Biter To MTSU

MIAMI, FL – You couldn’t have asked for a better game to open Conference USA play. It came down to the wire, but in the end, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders came out on top, defeating FIU by a final score of 73-69. For the fourth straight season, Jeremy Ballard and his team will begin 0-1 in conference play.

Asim Jones’s Success Continues

Going into Thursday’s contest, junior guard Asim Jones had gone four straight games scoring into the double-digits. Jones finished the night with 15 points, going 6-9 from the field. He tied his career-high in points.

Vianney Salatchoum Providing Help Where Needed

After a slow start for big man Vianney Salatchoum, he’s been able to get it going on Thursday. He dropped 21 points, posting a new career high, and went 10-14 from the field and even made his first career three-pointer.

Second Half Woes Key In Loss

After a first half where FIU only had eight turnovers, the Panthers struggled to maintain possession in the second half, turning the ball over 11 times. Middle Tennessee took advantage of that, scoring 13 points off of the turnovers.

What’s Next?

With the loss, FIU will drop to 6-8 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. They will take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, January 4th at 2pm.