Joey Cantens Earns First Win as FIU MBB Head Coach

MIAMI, FL – A new era for the FIU Panthers began on Monday evening with a dynamic performance over the New College of Florida Mighty Banyans. Offensively and defensively, the Panthers were rolling all game long. Joey Cantens earned his first win as FIU Men’s Basketball head coach in a 101-58 win over NCF.

Panthers Take Lead Early for Good

FIU started hot on a 10-0 run. Tijan Saine Jr. scored FIU’s first basket of the season with a three-point shot. From there, Trey Beamer put up a slam dunk off a fast-break turnover. Then, Saine Jr. made another three-point jumper, and Justin Roman made a second-chance layup.

Late in the first half, FIU went on a 21-0 run, expanding their lead to 33. Corey Caulker made a layup plus the and-one. Seydina N’Diaye made consecutive layups and multiple free throws. Beamer and Saine Jr. scored on layups off turnovers. The Panthers dominated on all fronts in the opening half. FIU led 52-18 at halftime.

NCF started the second half making more shots, but the Panthers still maintained a comfortable lead. Mendy scored back-to-back three-pointers to make it 63-27. FIU’s largest lead of the night was 41 points after CJ Hall’s slam dunk, making it 98-57 late in the second half.

FIU Adjustments & Closing Remarks

“First half, I wasn’t really there mentally, so I had to snap out it and just play harder all around and pay more attention to detail,” said Mason Blazer. “I feel like that helped me through the second half, and knowing my teammates, when I’m out there with them, it just makes the game easier.” He scored 15 points.

The Panthers made 49%, 33% from behind the arc, and 94% from the charity stripe. They had 50 rebounds, seven blocks, 16 steals, and 27 assists. FIU led for the entire game. They finished with 21 points off turnovers, 12 second-chance points, 48 points in the paint, and 35 fast-break points.

“I have a way to articulate my words, and people listen to me,” said Saine Jr. I’ve proven it. The accolades speak for themself, humbly speaking. I’m not going to hang it over nobody’s head. If I say something, they’re probably going to listen. Hopefully, I say the right thing.”

DINA DUSTED HIM 🤫

The Florida City Gas Play of the Game! pic.twitter.com/E5TZgVNbIA

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) November 3, 2026

Saine Jr. led the team with 24 points on 64% shooting and six three-pointers. Beamer finished with nine points and a team-leading four steals. N’Diaye scored 11 points, grabbed six rebounds, and blocked two shots. Noah Mendy finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Roman led the team with seven rebounds and dished out four assists. Caulker led the Panthers with seven assists and made three steals.

“I’ve been traveling the world for the last 20 years, lived in three different countries and taken 11 or 12 different jobs,” said Joey Cantens. For me to have my first Division I opportunity to be where I grew up and with my family that is here in the crowd, just an unbelievable opportunity for me, and really blessed.”

On Deck

The Panthers play D1’s newest team, the West Florida Argonauts, on Friday at 5:00 pm at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. The Argonauts are 1-0 after blowing out the Southeastern Baptist College Chargers 127-42. Their performance demonstrated their ability to score in bunches, create turnovers, and generate production.

The Argonauts set a program record for the largest margin of victory at 85 points. Their previous record was 55 points, marking a historic night for the program. West Florida forced 29 turnovers and turned them into 48 points while collecting 25 offensive rebounds. They also scored 34 second-chance points, showing their ability to create additional scoring opportunities.

West Florida showed they have players that are capable of contributing on offense by racking up 69 bench points. DJ Shine led the team with 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, with four three-pointers and four steals. Eze Wali scored 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting with three assists and three steals. Christian Moore had 15 points and eight rebounds. Alex Godoy Jr. finished with 12 points.

About Post Author

Ricardo Urrusuno

He’s a diehard 305 native who roots for his hometown teams in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Recently, he graduated from FIU with an MBA, but now he’s a Lemonhead covering UM basketball. Known to be anywhere and everywhere, you may catch him at a Miami sporting event.

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