FIU Men’s Basketball Snaps Four-Game Skid, Routes Kennesaw

MIAMI, FL – It was a wonderful night to be a Panther. FIU Men’s Basketball redeemed themselves at home after a stretch of brutal losses to Conference USA foes. Coming into the game, the Kennesaw State Owls were the top-scoring team in CUSA basketball. It was a lead-changing match in the 1st half until the 13-minute mark of the game, when the Panthers took the lead for good. Clutch defense and their ability to reach the free throw line consistently were key as FIU routed past Kennesaw State in this one 76-61.

Playing with Panther spirit

FIU didn’t necessarily win this game due to their shooting. They did outshoot the Owls, but not by much. FIU and Kennesaw State made the same amount of field goals. They just happened to miss a few more field goal attempts.

The turnover play was one of the reasons the Panthers got the victory. They had 14 compared to 20 for Kennesaw State. FIU did a great job of reading the defense’s plays, and by the 2nd half, it was clear that they were all in their heads. As a result, Kennesaw State was left searching for answers anytime the ball was in their hands.

After only making five free throw attempts in their previous game, the Panthers ended up with 41 attempts in this contest. It easily surpassed the previous season high of 29 back on November 23rd against CSU Bakersfield. There was a noticeable difference in FIU’s ability to drawl fouls this time around.

There were a few times in the 2nd half when Kennesaw State was able to cut the lead down to five. However, the FIU Panthers just didn’t have backing down as their gameplan strategy. They were able to quiet down the Owls every time.

Player of the game

There were some honorable mentions, but it was clear who the player of the game would be. FIU’s sixth man, Asim ”Simmy Buckets” Jones, had himself a night to remember. The junior had 15 points, including eight from the free throw line, and two blocks.

postgame with Asim Jones 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/2UMVNtQwf8

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) February 28, 2025

Other stars of the night

Dashon Gittens also scored 15 points, including a perfect performance at the free throw line, going 9-9. Ashton Williamson scored 13 points, going a perfect 4-4 from downtown. Jayden Brewer scored 13 points as well, adding five rebounds. Jayden Grant had four of the Panthers’ 12 steals.

highlights from last night's win over Kennesaw 📽️

presented by @WilliamsonAuto pic.twitter.com/2MkNP9G2GG

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) February 28, 2025

Scott Carr can ball

Giving credit where credit is due. Check out this moment from the game when FIU AD Scott Carr saved the crowd by catching the ball and making a spectacular pass back onto the court.

the hands and the pass from @ScottCarrAD 👏 pic.twitter.com/TJqTiHtsAn

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) February 28, 2025

It’s the last home game of the season

Up next, the Panthers will have their senior game against Jacksonville State at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center this Saturday. Tip-off is at 2:00 PM.