Thursday, January 2, 2003

Donnie Marsh wins No. 100 as FIU defeats Canisius, 57-54

ead coach Donnie Marsh wins his 100th game, as FIU defeats Canisius, 57-54, at Golden Panther Arena. Carlos Morban scored 16 of his career-high 24 points in the first half and dished out a game-high four assists. Morban, who was averaging 4.8 points per game, is now up to 6.2 per contest.

Carlos Fernandez grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds, while playing 23 minutes off the bench. "(Fernandez's) ten rebounds were huge," said FIU head coach Donnie Marsh. "His energy was key to the game."

Eulis Baez scored nine points and brought down six boards in the win.

Canisius (5-6) started off the game on a 10-0 run, after FIU missed its first ten shots and turned the ball over twice.

The Golden Panthers (6-7) answered with a 12-0 run, thanks to two three-point baskets by Morban, followed by a steal and dunk by the sophomore. Morban was seven-for-nine (78-percent) from the floor in the first half.

FIU held the Golden Griffins to 25-percent (6-for-24) from the floor in the half and held a 28-21 halftime lead. FIU is now 3-0 when leading at the half.

The Golden Panthers were able to hang on, as Canisius shot 44-percent (14-for-32) in the second half. After FIU went ahead 51-41, the Golden Griffins went on a 11-4 run to cut the lead to three with 25-seconds left.

Rodrigo Viegas hit a free throw, followed by a Morban free throw to put FIU up by five, 57-52. Canisius' Chris Ravello made a lay-up to end the game at 57-54.

The Golden Griffins were led by Hodari Mallory's 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The win was FIU head coach Donnie Marsh's 100th career win. "It feels great," said Marsh on his achievement. "We wanted to disrupt Canisius' offensive game plan by mixing up our defenses and keep them guessing."

FIU will start Sun Belt Conference play hosting North Texas on Sunday, January 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Golden Panther Arena. Call (305) FIU-GAME for ticket information.