By Brett Shweky/Editor
FIU snapped their two-game losing streak behind Trejon Jacob’s season-high 24 points on Saturday, Feb. 2 as the Panthers took down Louisiana Tech 75-69 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
Jacob finished the matchup going 6-of-13 from behind the three-point mark, while Brian Beard Jr. and Willy Nunez Jr. contributed with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
With 3:20 remaining in the contest, Nunez Jr. scored on a layup to tied the game 66-66. Jacob would soon after hit his sixth three-pointer of the night to give the Panthers (14-9, 5-5 Conference USA) a 69-66 advantage.
Beard Jr. scored back-to-back layups, and Jacob nailed two free-throws in the final minute to give FIU the 75-69 victory.
“They displayed great leadership, and they displayed great toughness,” said FIU head coach Jeremy Ballard. “They came back from the deficit, and it became a see-saw battle, and we never lost our composure. That’s because of leadership from these three guys right here (Jacob, Beard Jr. and Nunez Jr.)”
Louisiana Tech (15-9, 5-6 C-USA) held a 45-39 lead early in the second half until the Panthers orchestrated an 11-2 run to take the lead. The Bulldogs would score 8 of the next 10 points to regain a brief advantage with just under four minutes left.
Anthony Duruji recorded a game-high 16 for the Bulldogs while bringing in 14 rebounds. DaQuan Bracey chipped in with 15 points and also collected eight assists.
The Panthers ended their three-game homestand with a 1-2 record and will prepare for the last four games of their regular season.
FIU travels to San Antonio, Texas on Feb. 5 to take on the UTSA Roadrunner in the first of two straight away games. Game time is set for 8 p.m.
