MIAMI, FL – For all the ups and downs that 2024 brought for FIU Men’s Basketball, they ended the year on a high note by dominating the Utah Tech Trailblazers by a score of 80-66.
After losing to Utah Tech in OT last season, FIU looked to get their get-back at The Bank. Even without Jayden Brewer, who had to sit this game out due to an illness, that didn’t stop a consistent offense and a showstopping defense.
Ashton Williamson started in place of Brewer and helped the Panthers with rebounding the ball on offense and defense. In total, FIU notched 34 boards with seven on offense. Both Dashon Gittens and Travis Gray collected five of them.
The Panthers’ defense pressured the Trailblazers all game, forcing 19 turnovers in the process. Utah Tech’s offense was off, shooting 21-54 from the field and 7-25 from beyond the arc.
They limited Utah Tech to 19 points – the fewest points allowed in a half all season. While the Trailblazers kicked it into high gear in the second half, they ran out of time to make a substantial comeback.
On offense, Asim Jones took over and led the way with 14 points and seven assists – both were team highs. It’s his fourth-straight game with double-digit points as he stepped up in place of Brewer’s absence.
The Panthers have steadily improved their success from beyond the arc. With a 44% three-point percentage today, that’s their best performance since their last game against IU Undy when they notched 53.3%.
That’s it for FIU in 2024, and that’s also it for the nonconference schedule. They close the year with a 6-7 record, last in Conference USA. They’ll stay in Miami for a matchup against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on Thursday, January 2nd at 7pm.
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