Saturday, November 9, 2002

Argentina-Select outduels FIU in its exhibition opener, 93-86

he Argentina-Select team shot 65-percent from the floor and hung on to beat FIU, 93-86, in the Golden Panthers exhibition opener at Golden Panther Arena.

photo by Geoff Anderson Senior Nikola Novakovic slams in two of his 14 points on the evening. Argentina-Select would go on to win, 93-86. FIU's next home game will be its final exhibition match against the Florida All-Stars on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

FIU had four players in double figures, including Eulis Baez and Al Harris, who scored 15 points apiece, as the Golden Panthers shot 50-percent (31-for-62) for the game. Baez added a game-high eight rebounds, leading the Golden Panthers to a 33-23 advantage on the night.

Nikola Novakovic and Junior Matias were right behind with 14 points each.

Argentina-Select was led by Eduardo Villares' 22 points and Andres Del Sol's 11 assists. The team shot 34-for-52 for the night.

The Golden Panthers took a 45-43 lead into halftime, as Baez and Matias opened the game with three-point baskets. Harris ended the first-half scoring giving FIU the two-point advantage hitting a jumper with 30-seconds left.

FIU took an eight-point lead to open the second half, as Kevin Harvey, Baez and Novakovic combined for four steals in the first minute and a half.

Argentina-Select would start chipping away at the lead, finally grabbing it, 65-63, on a three-pointer by Diego Casemayor at the 11:45 mark. FIU went 2-for-11 from the floor during the stretch.

Argentina-Select continued the run, taking a 74-65 advantage on two three-pointers by Eduardo Villares. They would end the game shooting 9-for-13 from beyond the three-point line.

FIU battled back to a two-point deficit, 83-81, at the 1:26 mark, as David Lubor hit a three and Junior Matias made two free throws. Argentina-Select then hit eight consecutive free throws to end the Golden Panther threat.

FIU will next play its final exhibition game next Saturday against the Florida All-Stars at 7:00 p.m. at Golden Panther Arena.

FIU opens the regular season on November 23 and 24, hosting the FIU/Hampton Inn Tip-Off Classic. For ticket information, contact the FIU ticket office at (305) FIU-GAME.