FIU defeats Trinity (FL) 121-70
Trinity (FL) Falls Flat in Dominant Home Loss at FIU's Ocean Bank Convocation Center
The Panthers of Florida International University (FIU) put on a clinic, dismantling the visiting Trinity (FL) squad 121-70 in a non-conference matchup that served as a statement win for the home team.
In the first half, it was clear that this game would be one-sided. The FIU offense, led by Corey Stephenson's 19 points, 3-4 three-point makes, and 71.4% shooting from the field, took an early 68-36 lead into halftime. Trinity (FL) struggled to find its footing, managing just 34 points on 20 of 65 field goals (31.0%) for the first half.
As the second half began, it was more of the same for FIU. The Panthers continued their dominance, stretching the lead to a 54-point margin at one point. This level of separation is uncommon in college basketball, and it served as a testament to the home team's superiority on this night.
Stephenson's performance stood out from his teammates, showcasing his ability to score efficiently and stretch the defense with three-point range. He was well-supported by Eric Dibami, who contributed 12 rebounds and 12 points, while Ashton Williamson added nine assists and 10 points off the bench.
For Trinity (FL), Tayden Owens led the team in scoring with 18 points, but the Panthers' inability to find consistency on offense ultimately sealed their fate. Bryan Falcon led the team with four rebounds, but it was a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance from the visitors.
FIU's advanced statistics painted a clear picture of the game: they shot 54.0% from the field, 37.0% from three-point range, and held Trinity (FL) to just 31.0%. The Panthers' ability to control the paint and limit turnovers played a significant role in their victory.
In context, this win represents a statement for FIU's non-conference schedule. With several key matchups on the horizon, including against ranked opponents, it will be interesting to see how the Panthers respond to adversity. For now, however, they can bask in the glory of a dominant performance that showcased their talent and depth.
The final margin of 51 points is the largest in this season's non-conference schedule, and it serves as a reminder that FIU is capable of great things when their offense clicks on all cylinders. As for Trinity (FL), they will need to regroup and refocus after a humbling loss to a conference rival.