Wednesday, September 25, 2002

FIU announces 2002-03 Schedule
FIU Tip-Off Classic, New Years Classic, George Washington and Western Kentucky Highlight Home Schedule

photo by Geoff Anderson Head Coach Donnie Marsh announced his 2002-03 schedule today. The Golden Panthers will host two tournaments, and welcome George Washington and NCAA qualifier Western Kentucky to Golden Panther Arena.

• 2002-03 Men's Basketball Schedule

he Golden Panthers men's basketball team announced its 2002-03 schedule today. The FIU Tip-Off and New Year's Classics, along with bouts with George Washington and Western Kentucky headline the 14 home contests. Trips to Princeton, Massachusetts, DePaul and Washington highlight a tough non-conference schedule.

The Golden Panthers open the season hosting Iona, Libscomb and Morris Brown in the FIU Tip-Off Classic at Golden Panther Arena on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23-24. After a home visit by Florida Gulf Coast, FIU will travel to Ivy League's Princeton on Nov. 30.

The Atlantic-10's George Washington then visits Miami on Dec. 3 at 7 pm in the first year of a home-and-home agreement.

FIU then embarks on a five game road trip, which includes stops at the Southwest Missouri State Invitational, Massachusetts, DePaul and Washington.

The FIU New Year's Classic will start a six game homestand on Dec. 27 and 28, with Duquesne, Radford and St. Francis (NY). Canisius will be the Golden Panthers final non-conference opponent on Jan. 2 at Golden Panther Arena.

The Sun Belt Conference schedule boasts two teams that played in the postseason, including NCAA qualifier Western Kentucky. FIU will take a trip to Bowling Green on Jan. 30, before the Hilltoppers come to Miami on Feb. 19.

The Golden Panthers will travel to NIT-participant Louisiana-Lafayette on January 18. Other Sun Belt opponents coming to Golden Panther Arena include North Texas (Jan. 5), Denver (Jan. 9), New Mexico State (Jan. 14), Arkansas State (Feb. 6), Arkansas-Little Rock (Feb. 8) and Middle Tennessee (Feb. 22).

"The league speaks for itself, with Western Kentucky being the preseason favorite," said FIU head coach Donnie Marsh. "We want to take care of business at home, but I expect us to be a better road team this year."