FIU men’s basketball struggles in home loss to North Texas, loses third game in a row
FIU’s nearly impenetrable home-court shield took a dent on Thursday night as the North Texas Mean Green routed the Panthers 78-59 in a Conference USA men’s basketball game.
The Panthers, who have won 16 of their past 18 home games, fell to 17-11 overall and 8-7 in the conference. They have lost three consecutive games overall.
North Texas (19-11, 13-3), which leads the C-USA standings, has beaten FIU three times in a row, including in last year’s league tournament.
The Mean Green got off to a 10-0 start and never trailed in Thursday’s game, leading 46-28 at halftime.
Osasumwen Osaghae, FIU’s 6-9 senior center who entered the game leading the nation with an average of 3.89 blocks, topped the Panthers with 18 points, including 13 in the first half. He also finished with three rebounds and four blocks.
FIU had to adjust its backcourt after starting point guard Antonio Daye Jr. was sidelined due to illness. FIU was already without another starting guard, Tevin Brewer (foot injury).
The Panthers’ new starting lineup had sophomore Cameron Corcoran and junior Isaiah Bank playing guard with the three seniors — Osaghae, leading scorer Devon Andrews and Trejon Jacob.
However, Andrews, who entered Thursday fourth in the league in scoring (16.6), was held to seven points by the Mean Green. He made just 1-of-6 shots from the floor.
On the other side of the ball, North Texas entered the game leading the conference in shooting percentage, both on three-pointers and overall field goals.
“They take great shots, and they make those shots,” FIU second-year coach Jeremy Ballard said. “They are fifth in the country in effective field-goal percentage [which takes into account the value of three-point and two-point baskets].
“North Texas is a very patient team — they are intentional about getting shots they want. They pass well, and their spacing is excellent.”
FIU, which entered Thursday’s game No. 1 in the league in steals, blocked shots and three-point defense, was unable to stop North Texas. The Mean Green shot 49.1 percent from the floor (compared with 40.7 percent by FIU).
The Mean Green was even better on three-pointers, making 9-of-16 (56.3 percent). FIU made just 2-of-16 (12.5 percent).
THIS AND THAT
▪ FIU plays at Charlotte on Sunday and at Louisiana Tech on Wednesday. FIU’s final home game of the season is March 7 against Western Kentucky, and the C-USA tournament is March 11-14 in Frisco, Texas. The winner automatically qualifies for the NCAA Tournament.
▪ Ballard on Andrews: “Devon’s consistency of his defensive effort has come a long way, and there’s still room for improvement.”