TAKEAWAYS – Panthers Fall In CUSA Quarterfinals To Jax State

The Panthers’ season ended on Wednesday night as they lost to the Jacksonville State Gamecocks by a final score of 65-56. FIU will finish the season with a 10-23 record – one win less than the prior year.

Jayden Brewer Leads The Way

After a stellar performance in the first round, FIU junior guard Jayden Brewer replicated that on Wednesday, dropping 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals while shooting 6-13 from the field.

Brewer, who entered the transfer portal last season, withdrew his name to run it back with head coach Jeremy Ballard for another year. In all likelihood, Brewer will enter the portal and not return. He is coming off a season where he was named to the Conference USA All-Conference Honorable Mention team.

That’ll Do It For Jonathan Aybar

After five collegiate seasons, Wednesday marked the final game of forward Jonathan Aybar’s collegiate career. He went out with 13 points, six rebounds, and one steal. He went 4-6 from the field and 3-5 from beyond the arc.

Aybar began his collegiate career at North Florida, and after three seasons, transferred to FIU, where his father, Ramon, played. In his first season, Aybar was limited to 13 games, but this season, he played in 31 games.

Panthers Struggle From The Charity Strike

Going into this game, FIU ranked sixth amongst the conference in free throw percentage (71%). Against the Gamecocks, the Panthers left plenty of points on the board, going 8-18 (44%) from the free-throw line. Down the stretch, FIU missed key free throws, which were part of the loss.

What’s Next?

At the moment, the status of FIU head coach Jeremy Ballard is uncertain. With one more year left on his contract, there is a chance he will return once again. Still, it wouldn’t come as a shock to anyone if he is let go in the coming days after another tumultuous season.

When it comes to the current players on the team, many of them will either graduate or be off to new schools. The two key names to keep an eye out on in regard to the chance of them returning are Jayden Brewer and Vianney Salatchoum.