TAKEAWAYS – FIU Drops Second Game Of 2024-25 Season

Despite a strong start in their contest against Southern Utah, FIU Men’s Basketball struggled in the second half of play, falling by a score of 80-75 and dropping to 0-2 for the second straight season.

Foul Trouble Continues

Similar to Tuesday’s loss against Rice, FIU got into foul trouble early. Jonathan Aybar was limited to 13 minutes as he ended up being the only player to foul out of the game. Dashon Gittens finished the night with four fouls, being limited to 19 minutes of play.

As a team, FIU ended the night with 27 personal fouls. Aybar was issued a technical foul in the first half of play as well.

Struggles From Beyond The Arc

Through the first two games of the season, FIU has struggled to get it going from the three-point line. On Tuesday, FIU shot 6-18 (33.3%) from beyond the arc, and against Southern Utah, it was 5-22 (27.2%).

Out Rebounded Once Again

In the first half of play, FIU lost the rebound battle, 18-14. In the second half of play, it was a closer battle, but the Panthers still came up short – 20-18. The Panthers are struggling to get defensive rebounds.

Ashton Williamson Continues To Impress

Freshman guard Ashton Williamson finished the night with 14 points, four assists, and was 6-11 from the field. This marks Williamson’s first career double-digit scoring game and, for a second straight game, leads the team in minutes played.

Introducing Vianney Salatchoum

After fouling out in nine minutes of play in his Panthers debut, junior Vianney Salatchoum came back in game number two of the season and dropped ten points, five rebounds, one assist, blocked two shots, and had one steal.

The 6’11” center brings a new dynamic which FIU didn’t have too much of last year with Seth Pinkney who stood at 7’1″.

What’s Next?

FIU will travel back to Miami for their home opener against the Florida National Conquistadors on Thursday, November 14th at 7pm, which will begin a two-game homestand.