By Brett Shweky/Editor
After scoring a career-high 26 points the game before, Devon Andrews followed up that performance with another stellar night as he posted 25 against Rice to help FIU win 86-65 on Thursday, Feb. 14.
The Panthers (15-11, 6-7 Conference USA) bounced back from their two-game losing streak after they dropped consecutive games in Texas against UTSA And UTEP.
FIU’s defense paved the way to victory as they forced the Owls into a season-high 33 turnovers. Antonio Daye Jr. and Brian Beard Jr. each recorded five steals while Devon Andrews and Isaiah Banks managed to get two.
The hosting Panthers scored 38 points off the turnovers which was the second-most by the team this season.
At the end of the first half, FIU held a 42-29 advantage and did so after scoring 14 of the final 23 points in the stanza.
Rice (10-16, 5-8 C-USA) would only get within eight points of the Panthers for the rest of the contest.
Beard Jr. finished second on the team in scoring with 17 points and also added five assists. Antonio Daye Jr. rounded out the double-digit scorers for FIU with 10 points.
FIU will play their final contest before C-USA bonus play against North Texas on Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
Saturday will also mark the team’s Senior Day as they honor their three seniors Michael Douglas, Beard Jr. and Elhadji Dieng. Tipoff is at 2 p.m.
