CORAL GABLES, FL – The FIU Men’s Basketball team will travel about 30 minutes for tonight’s “road” game against the No. 13 Miami Hurricanes.
The two teams haven’t played each other since 2008 when Miami beat FIU by a score of 76-50. The Panthers have lost all five matchups against their cross-county rivals.
Monday’s game won’t be any easier than the previous five. The Hurricanes are coming off a Final Four appearance and return three of their top five scorers last season in guards Nijel Pack and Wooga Poplar, along with forward Norchad Omier.
Miami (2-0) won their previous game on November 10 against the UCF Knights 88-72. Poplar led all scoring with 23 points, shooting 5-for-5 from three.
FIU is still looking for their first win of the season. They lost to that same UCF team on opening night and were then defeated by Tarleton State in their home opener.
The only inherent advantage the Panthers have over Miami is height. The average height of their projected starting lineup is roughly 6’6, while Miami’s is 6’4.
Factor in bench pieces like forward Mohamed Sanogo, who stands at 6’9 and 200 pounds, and FIU holds the height and length advantage.
Tip-off is at 7pm from the Watsco Center. The game will be streamed on ACCNX on the ESPN app. You can also follow @AlexKrutchikFOF and @Kevin_Barral on Twitter for updates.
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