FIU Vs Old Dominion, Start of Conference Play | January 1, 2021

Miami, FL – FIU Men’s Basketball is back in action in the new year. The Panthers are coming off a two-week hiatus and getting their first taste of Conference USA basketball play. That being said, FIU faced off against Old Dominion in the first of two games against the Monarchs on back-to-back days. Moreover, The FIU Panthers have not had the best luck against the Monarchs as FIU has an all-time record of 1-7 against Old Dominion.

In recent history, FIU has gotten the better of the Monarchs. In their last matchup, back on 1/23/2020, the Panthers beat the Monarchs by the small margin of three points for the first and only win against them, to date. Also, tonight, FIU looked to get their first win against the Old Dominion Monarchs on their home court. The Panthers accomplished all of that, defeating the Monarchs 82-67 for their first game of 2021. Meanwhile, the hounding defense of the Panthers proved to be too much for the Monarchs tonight.

🎥: Boom! 💥 Check out our @floridacitygas “Electric Play of the Game” ⚡️ #PawsUp 🐾 | #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/nRSYmU7CFC

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 2, 2021

Game Breakdown

In the first half, FIU took control quickly as they jumped out to a 21-11 lead halfway through the first half. Old Dominion made some key, defensive adjustments switching to a 3-2 zone bringing FIU’s fast-paced offense to a halt. The Panther defense was the real star of the first half for FIU, as the Monarchs shot only 39.4% from the field and an abysmal 12.5% from three. The defense also caused seven turnovers in the first half. The Panthers had the lead at the end of the half 37-29.

In the second half, Old Dominion’s offensive struggles continued as they finished the game shooting 25% from three and turning over the ball 18 times. It was an all-around good offensive game as four out of the five starters for FIU finished with double-digit points. The team defense was amazing as well as they racked up seven blocks and seven steals throughout the game.

What’s Next?

FIU will have a rematch against Old Dominion tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m.

Starting the new year right!#PawsUp🐾 | #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/tFlBHxIbCP

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 2, 2021

📸 Credit: Michael Berlfein (FIU Athletics)