Corey Stephenson’s impressive performance, scoring 21 points, propelled Florida International to a commanding 89-74 victory over New Mexico State on Friday. The Panthers improved their record to 8-5, with a 1-1 mark in Conference USA, while the Aggies fell to 8-4, also holding a 1-1 conference record.
In addition to Stephenson’s contributions, Eric Dibami had a standout game, recording a double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals. Hamed Olayinka further strengthened the team’s offense by adding 14 points, shooting an efficient 6 of 10 from the field and nailing 2 of 3 from the free-throw line.
New Mexico State was led by Anthony Wrzeszcz, who netted 15 points. Elijah Elliott contributed with 14 points and two steals, while Jae’Coby Osborne finished with 10 points and also made two steals.
Florida International took control of the game with 9:50 remaining in the first half and maintained their lead without looking back. Stephenson, leading the team with 13 points in the first half, helped build a 44-39 lead at halftime. The Panthers surged ahead in the second half, extending their lead to 53-39, largely thanks to a momentum-shifting 9-0 scoring run. Ashton Williamson emerged in the latter half, scoring a team-high nine points to help secure the win for Florida International.
This victory marks a significant moment for the Panthers as they aim to build on their momentum in the conference season. The team’s ability to consistently score and defend will be crucial in their upcoming matchups as they look to make a mark in Conference USA.