Tuesday, November 26, 2002

FIU goes 3-0 for the first time since 1983, with a 78-50 win over Florida Gulf Coast

IU runs over Florida Gulf Coast, 78-50, at Golden Panther Arena on Tuesday night.

Eulis Baez recorded his first double-double as a Golden Panther, with a game-high 28 points and 15 rebounds. Baez also blocked five shots and dished out five assists. The Dominican Republic native hit his first eight field goals in the game, finishing with 11, coming one shy of the Golden Panther Arena record of 12.

"They really didn't have anyone to matchup with Eulis," said FIU head coach Donnie Marsh. "We were able to take advantage of that."

Junior Matias, MVP of the Tip-Off Classic over the past weekend, added 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting. Carlos Morban stayed consistent on defense, with five steals for the third consecutive game and added a career-high nine rebounds and five assists.

FIU (3-0) came out of the game slow, before pouring it on the overmatched Eagles (1-2). After FGCU cut the lead to 14-11 with 12:29 to play in the first half, the Golden Panthers went on a 32-10 run to close out the half for a 46-21 lead.

"I thought we defended according to principles very well," said Marsh. "The defense was able to start that spurt."

FIU shot 63-percent (17-for-27) from the field in the half, while limiting the Eagles to 21-percent (8-for-38).

Florida Gulf Coast was able to hang with FIU in the second half, in part to eight Golden Panther turnovers. Ryan Hopkins hit three three-point baskets and scored all 11 of his points in the second half to lead the Eagles.

The Golden Panthers are 3-0 for the first time since Rich Walker's 1983 team, when they went 4-0 in Division II. FIU will now travel to Princeton for a Saturday night contest at 7:30 p.m.