Panthers outscore Golden Eagles 47-34 in second half to improve to 10-1 at home
MIAMI – Freshman Denver Jones erupted for a career-high 23 points and was a perfect 7-of-7 from three-point range to lead the FIU men’s basketball team to a resounding 77-67 win over Southern Mississippi on Thursday night at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
The Panthers, who trailed by three points at halftime, dominated the final 20 minutes of play as they shoot a sizzling 57.7 percent and outscored Southern Mississippi by 13 points in the second half.
The win improves the Panthers record on their home floor to 10-1 and marked their fifth consecutive victory at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center – where FIU will play two games over a three-day span beginning on Saturday, Feb. 5 vs. Louisiana Tech (7 p.m.) and followed with a special 5 p.m. ET tip time on Monday, Feb. 7 vs. Charlotte.
Jones had a well-balanced scoring performance, notching 12 points in the first half and 11 in the second. He finished a perfect 8-of-8 from the floor and dished out five assists. He was joined in double-figures by senior Eric Lovett, who tabbed 14 points and five rebounds.
Junior Tevin Brewer registered his second double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 assists.
For the game, the Panthers shot 50.0 percent (27-of-54) overall and made 13-of-27 attempts (48.1) from beyond the arc. FIU reserves outpaced Southern Mississippi’s by a 30-18 margin – led by Jones.
Southern Mississippi was paced in the loss by Jaron Pierre Jr., who tabbed 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting and knocked in 5-of-11 three-point attempts.
The win improves the Panthers’ overall record to 13-9 on the season and 3-6 in conference action. Southern Mississippi slips to 6-15 overall and 1-7 in league play.
UP NEXT: The Panthers will battle Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 5 (7 p.m.) and a clash with Charlotte on Monday, Feb. 7 in a 5 p.m. start. The clash with the Bulldogs will air on ESPN+.
TICKETS
For more information on FIU tickets to FIU basketball home games, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit HERE.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUHoops), Twitter (@FIUHoops), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensBball) for all the latest Men’s Basketball news.
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
