FIU Men’s Basketball Drops 2023 Season Opener To UCF

MIAMI, FL – In the opening game of the 2023-2024 season for the FIU Men’s basketball team, they struggled to keep up with the UCF Knights and ultimately fell by a final score of 85-62.

Panthers Struggle In The Rebound Department

One of FIU’s biggest struggles last season was the lack of rebounds. Despite adding size to the roster through recruiting and the transfer portal, the struggles continued tonight.

The Panthers were out-rebounded in the first half (21-17) and out of the three offensive rebounds they had, only one of those ended up being redeemed for points. As for the Knights, they had 10 points off of seven boards.

In the end, FIU finished the game getting out-rebounded by 37 to 30, which on the surface doesn’t seem too bad, but second chance hurt them in the long run.

The Knights Shut Down Arturo Dean

The C-USA Preseason Team selection was shut down by the Knights’ defense in the first half, keeping sophomore Arturo Dean scoreless.

He was 0-4 from the field, 0-1 from the three-point line, and committed a turnover as the Knights took a 43-21 lead at the half.

Dean’s struggles would continue after that. His night also came to an end early as he fouled out with 4:46 left in the game. Dean’s final line was two points, four rebounds, and four assists. He was 1-7 from the field.

Turnovers Galore For FIU

Sloppy is the best way to describe the Panthers’ night. 24 turnovers, with 14 in the first half and 10 in the second. Those turnovers led to an eventual 32-5 run for the Knights.

Jaylin Sellers Impresses In Debut for UCF

One of the many additions to the UCF Knights roster was Ball State transfer Jaylin Sellers who had himself a strong debut with the Knights.

With 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists, the Knights junior guard was impressive, specifically when driving into the paint and having success down there.

Stat Leaders For FIU

The Panthers’ only player to reach double digits was Petar Krivokapic who had 10 points, five rebounds, and was four for six from the field.

Jayden Brewer had nine points but made an impact on the glass with six rebounds, which led the tea,m and had himself an assist. Brewer did this all coming off the bench.

Backup point guard Javaunte Hawkins had himself a nice first game of the season, finishing with nine points and going 3-3 from three-point range. He was also the sixth man for the Panthers tonight.

What’s Next For FIU?

Despite the 0-1 record, the Panthers will head back to Miami for their home opener on Thursday at 7pm against the Tarleton State Texans.