Saturday, November 16, 2002

FIU downs the Florida All-Stars in its final exhibition, 71-65

IU used a strong performance in the second half to defeat the Florida All-Stars, 71-65, in its exhibition finale at Golden Panther Arena.

The Golden Panthers, 1-1 in the exhibition season, had three players in double figures, including Junior Matias, who scored a team-high 20 points. Eulis Baez added a game-high 13 rebounds, recording his first double-double as a Golden Panther, with 11 points.

Carlos Morban dished out a team-high four assists and added 10 points. Nicola Novakovic recorded nine points and nine rebounds, just one shy of each for a double-double.

The Florida All-Stars were led by Bernard Herd's 21 points and 7 rebounds. FIU held them to 27-of-72 (38-percent) from the floor.

The Florida All-Stars took a 38-37 lead into halftime, as Bernard Herd scored almost half of their points with 17. Slavtcho Slavtchev scored nine to lead the Golden Panthers, shooting 14-for-31 (45-percent) from the floor as a team.

FIU charged back in the second half, taking the lead 19-seconds into the half that was never relinquished. The team shot 54-percent (13-for-24) in the half.

FIU took an 50-43 lead to open the second half, as Junior Matias hit a three-pointer. The all-stars would cut the deficit to one with five minutes left at 63-62, before Matias and Morban put the Golden Panthers back up, 68-62, on two lay-ups and a free throw.

FIU opens the regular season on November 23 and 24, hosting the FIU/Hampton Inn Tip-Off Classic. The Golden Panthers will play at 8:00 p.m. against Morris Brown on the 23. Lipscomb and Iona precede that game at 6:00 p.m.

For ticket information, contact the FIU ticket office at (305) FIU-GAME.