FIU vs Miami Men’s Basketball Matchup Announced

MIAMI, FL – The highly anticipated matchup between the FIU and UM Men’s Basketball teams is confirmed to take place at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables. Game time and broadcasting details for the December 16 contest will be announced at a later date.

The Last Time They Played

It was only two seasons ago when they last played each other. On November 13, 2023, both teams faced off at the Watsco Center. Both squads traded leads. The Hurricanes jumped out to a massive 17-point lead in the 1st half, thanks to a 14-0 scoring run. Slowly but surely, the Panthers cut down the lead, going into halftime trailing by a basket.

step-back three for A2⃣, all net pic.twitter.com/bvIYzueH2W

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) November 14, 2023

By the time the fourth minute of the 2nd half was underway, the Panthers found themselves on a 17-0 run, up 53-41. However, the Hurricanes would then go on a 19-point scoring spree, giving themselves a 60-53 lead.

With nine and a half minutes to go, FIU answered right back by scoring seven straight points, trailing just 64-62. That was the end of the Panthers’ chances of winning, though. From there, UM never looked back and went on to win 86-80.

Arturo Dean led the Panthers with 19 points and six assists, while also grabbing five rebounds. Dashon Gittens is the only current player on the roster who was a part of this game.

He scored 14 points and led the team with 33 minutes played. Still, FIU gave UM much more competition than anyone thought they would. The Canes were ranked #12 at the time, coming off a Final Four run the previous season.

Series History

The series history between the Miami-Dade County teams doesn’t favor the Panthers. According to Sports Reference, FIU is 1-12 all-time against Miami.

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.

See author's posts