Men's basketball shocks Florida State, 65-60, in Tallahassee

Ismael N'Diaya, playing with an orthopedic brace to protect a stress fracture of his right foot, scored a game-high 22 points and gathered nine rebounds as FIU upset Florida State, 65-60, on Dec. 12 in Tallahassee.

But it was the Golden Panthers' light-scoring point guard Jayce Lewi, who converted a pair of free throws and then hit a clutch 3-point basket in the final minutes, who lifted FIU from a 57-54 deficit to a 59-57 lead it wouldn't relinquish.

It was the second road victory for the Golden Panthers (5-3) this season and their first against an ACC opponent in 14 tries. We put together a real good game. The kids followed the game plan," said FIU head coach Sergio Rouco.

"We're not a real good shooting team. We can't shoot free throws; we can't shoot from the field; but the one thing we know is our kids are athletic. "

We took advantage of the fact that they didn't bring their 'A' game with them today and we played well," he said. "I told our team if we could stop them from running and make this a half-court game than we could stay close, create momentum and gain confidence."

With this win, the Golden Panthers tie the total number of victories by the program in the entire last season.

On Mon., Dec. 20, the team travels to Tamps to take on the University of South Florida.

FIU is home next on Thurs., Dec. 23, against No. 21 George Washington at Pharmed Arena. For tickets and information, call the Golden Panthers Ticket Office at 866-FIU-GAME.