Sunday, November 24, 2002

FIU wins the FIU/Hampton Inn Tip-Off Classic, 65-55, over Iona

IU men's basketball wins the FIU/Hampton Inn Tip-Off Classic, 65-55, over Iona at Golden Panther Arena. The win marks the first time the Golden Panthers (2-0) won the Classic since 1998, when it was called the Holiday Classic.

photo by Geoff Anderson Junior Matias jumps for two of his game-high 23 points on his way to being named MVP of the Tip-Off Classic. FIU defeated Iona to earn its first classic trophy since 1998. The Golden Panthers will next host Florida Gulf Coast at Golden Panther Arena at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday night.

Junior Matias led all scorers with a game-high 23 points and added six rebounds on his way to being named MVP of the classic. He nailed a key three-point basket with a defender in his face and 1:46 left in the game to put the Golden Panthers up by nine points.

Eulis Baez poured in 17 points and six rebounds. Carlos Morban showed his defensive quickness, with five steals. Nikola Novakovic led FIU on the boards for the second consecutive night with eight rebounds.

Iona (1-1) never seemed to figure out the FIU defense, shooting 34-percent (19-for-56) from the floor, including 29-percent (9-for-31) in the first half. The Gaels were led by Marvin McCullough's 11 points.

The win gives FIU its first 2-0 start since the 1998-99 season and first under head coach Donnie Marsh.

"It's great to have the word champion with FIU," said Marsh. "It doesn't matter what tournament it is."

Both teams struggled offensively in the first half to a 22-22 tie. There were four different occasions were neither team scored for almost two minutes.

FIU used a 14-3 edge in points off turnovers in the second half to pull away from Iona. The team shot 56-percent (15-for-27) in the half, thanks to five steals, eight lay-ups and one dunk.

The Golden Panthers will next host Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at Golden Panther Arena. Call (305) FIU-GAME for ticket information.