MIAMI — FIU’s men’s basketball program will take on the Jaguars of IU Indy on Saturday evening inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Panthers (4-7) will tip-off against the Jaguars (5-8) at 6 p.m. in a non-conference tilt, FIU’s last before a nine-day break from competition. 

Friday, Dec. 20 vs. IU Indy

Time/Site: 6 p.m. ET / Ocean Bank Convocation Center

FIU returns home to take on IU Indy following a 1-1 road trip last weekend, defeating Stetson 81-72 before falling to East Carolina, 74-65. The Panthers matchup with the Jaguars will be the first four-straight home games for FIU. 

So far this season, the Panthers are 2-2 inside the OBCC with wins over Florida National and New College of Florida. 

Jayden Brewer continues to lead FIU with his 15.4 ppg, an improvement of seven ppg from last season. Newcomer Vianney Salatchoum has made his presence felt of the defensive end with 22 total blocks this season, an average of 2.0 blocks per game, second-best in CUSA and top-25 nationally. 

Jonathan Aybar and Asim Jones were both major factors in the Panthers’ last contest at ECU, scoring 16 and 13 points, respectively. Both point totals were the most for each of them this season. 

SCOUTING IU INDY

The Jaguars, out of the Horizon League, enter this tilt on a three-game losing streak. IU Indy, formerly IUPUI, fell to Lindenwood its last time out, 81-63. 

The Jaguars have been led by Paul Zilinskas’ 18.8 ppg, of which have largely come from beyond the three-point line. Zilinskas is shooting 46.2 percent from three, making 42-of-91 attempts. His 42 makes are seventh-most in the nation and he ranks in the top-30 in nearly all three-point categories. 

Jarvis Walker also provides a scoring punch for IU Indy with his 16.1 ppg. Walker and Zilinskas can be expected to be the two primary options for IU Indy. 

FIU and IU Indy will be meeting for the first time in program history. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUHoops), Twitter (@FIUHoops), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUMensBball) for all the latest Men’s Basketball news.

General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.