FIU Delivers Big Second Half in Home Win Over UTEP

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MIAMI, FL – It was a back-and-forth basketball game between the UTEP Miners and the FIU Panthers. The game itself featured seven ties and 18 lead changes.

Today’s contest was a true testament to the saying, “defense wins games.” To the best of their ability, FIU relied on drawing fouls, blocking shots, and scoring in the paint. FIU was delivered a strong second half in their home win, securing a victory over UTEP.

“I just want to start by saying how proud I am of our effort. This was a really tough week. We had three very good opponents come into The Bank, and every game was extremely challenging. Every team we played was physical, talented, and extremely well coached.”

“I also want to give a shoutout to UTEP. They’ve been on the road for almost two weeks, had guys banged up and out with injuries, and still came in here and played with blood, sweat, and tears. They gave us everything we could handle, and that’s a testament to Coach Golding. He does an incredible job with that team, and they’re going to be playing some really good basketball as league play gets going. This is a big win for us, and one we’re really proud of.”

– Head Coach Jeremy Ballard

Neck and Neck First Half

The Miners quickly jumped out to a 9-2 lead. Soon enough, the Panthers were able to tie the game at 14 due to paint points from Hamed Olayinka, free throws from Julian Mackey, and fast break points from Eric Dibami.

No team would have a lead of greater than three all the way through halftime, where UTEP had a slight 30-29 lead. FIU shot for 40% in the half but struggled from behind the arc, shooting for just 10%.

HIGHLIGHT REEL PLAYS EVERY NIGHT 🫢 @ESPNAssignDesk #SCTop10: @Thiago1350385 x @STBCOREY pic.twitter.com/MCe52X4ogA

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 4, 2026

17-3 Run Gives FIU the Spark They Needed

The 2nd half picked up where it left off. Both teams traded leads and had ties. It wasn’t until a remarkable 17-3 midway through the half that the game took off for good. During the run, FIU made the shots that were working for them throughout the entire game.

Zawdie Jackson scored four points via the free throw line and a layup. Ashton Williamson scored a fast-break play, and Corey Stephenson scored two free throws after attempting a fast-break play. Ibrahim Olajuwon scored six points off the bench in the paint.

OH MY GOD AIBO IS TAKING OVER THIS GAME #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/tkPaCaxo3N

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 4, 2026

Eric Dibami came through with a tip-in layup, and Hamed Olayinka contributed with a second-chance free throw after a UTEP turnover.

Not only did FIU outscore UTEP 47-34, but they also shot for a whopping 60% and grabbed 25 rebounds.

Thoughts

FIU really struggled with their shots, but they realized this throughout the game and pretty much abandoned making too many attempts. Going 2/7 in the second half, it proved to be a good idea.

Ballard highlighted in his press conference how rebounds win you games, and the statistics proved that to be true. FIU grabbed 41 rebounds and won the defensive battle as well with 28 boards.

The Panthers know they are a driving force in the paint and kept at it today with 48 points. They also had a big day with fast-break points, outscoring the Miners 20-0.

FIU had a fantastic time blocking shots, with eight compared to just one for UTEP. They could have had 10 if not for two goaltending calls.

Player Stats

Corey Stephenson finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and a team-leading 20+/-. Eric Dibami finished the game with 15 points on 7/8 shooting and 10 rebounds. The duo became the first Panthers teammates with double-doubles in a game since Clevon Brown and Denver Jones did so in December 2021.

Eric Dibami (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Hamed Olayinka (11 points, 10 rebounds) are the first set of Panthers teammates with double-doubles in a game since Clevon Brown & Denver Jones did it on 12/11/21 at Eastern Michigan. pic.twitter.com/2Di6rzoMeF

— FIUSportsInfo (@FIUSportsInfo) January 5, 2026

Hamed Olayinka scored 11 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots.

“We trust our guards to do their job up top, and if they need help, we’ve got their back. Coach Ballard told me before the game that the best way to take me out is by fouling.”

“So staying out of foul trouble and being on the floor with my teammates means a lot to me. In the Liberty game, it hurt being out when they needed me, so I just tried to do my best out there.”

– Hamed Olayinka

Ashton Williamson scored 10 points and dished out three assists. Ibrahim Olajuwon had nine points on 4/4 shooting, six rebounds, and a pair of blocks.

“I mean, what’s my age? I don’t even know my age right now, because I feel like the rest of the team’s energy is fueling me. The energy at the core of the team is the same, and I feel that too. I’m just Aibo right now, just Aibo being Aibo.”

– Ibrahim Olajuwon

On Deck

The Panthers are heading on a three-game road trip. First, they play Jacksonville State on Wednesday at 7 PM before facing Missouri State on Saturday at 5 PM. They will close things out at Kennesaw State the following Wednesday at 7 PM. All games will be shown on ESPN+.

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