FIU defeats Long Island 86-79

FIU Edges Long Island in Thrilling Comeback Victory

In a non-conference matchup at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, FIU (Home) pulled off an impressive comeback victory over visiting Long Island (Away), 86-79.

The contest was marked by two pivotal moments. First, at halftime, Long Island led by just two points, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. Then, with FIU trailing by eight points early in the fourth quarter, they staged a remarkable comeback, outscoring their opponents by 11 points to seal the win.

Julian Mackey led the charge for FIU, scoring 22 points on 2-for-4 three-point shooting and an impressive 66.7% field goal percentage. The senior guard's all-around performance was complemented by a strong rebounding effort from Eric Dibami (7 rebounds) and Ashton Williamson (5 assists).

For Long Island, Jamal Fuller paced the offense with 18 points on 3-for-5 three-point shooting, while Jomo Goings chipped in with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The game was a shooting exhibition, with both teams combining for 161 field goals. FIU's 57.4 effective field goal percentage was the highest of the two teams, while Long Island's 52.3% eFG% still remained respectable.

Despite a strong offensive performance, both teams struggled on defense, particularly in the paint, where they combined for 89 points and 58 rebounds. However, FIU's 8 blocks helped to limit Long Island's fast break opportunities, which accounted for just 16 points.

The loss is a significant setback for Long Island, but not unexpected given their young roster. Meanwhile, the win propels FIU into the top half of the conference standings and sets up a crucial matchup against a ranked opponent in the coming weeks.

In the end, it was FIU's ability to close out games when needed that proved decisive. The Panthers' victory serves as a testament to their growing team chemistry and depth, which should bode well for their postseason aspirations.