FIU Notches First Conference Win Over Aggies

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MIAMI, FL – In search of their first Conference USA win of the season, FIU showcased its shooting prowess on the court. Despite an early test from New Mexico State, the FIU Panthers took the lead early on in this game and only expanded it from there.

FIU dominated both on offense and defense, preventing New Mexico State from having any chance of coming back. Because of that, FIU notched the 89-74 win over Aggies in what was a much-needed conference victory.

Both Teams Trade Runs

OOOOOOP THERE IT IS 🗣️@STBCOREY x @olayhamed pic.twitter.com/W87K8zWJjJ

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 2, 2026

The Panthers jumped off to a 7-2 lead thanks to a second-chance layup from Eric Dibami off a turnover. The Aggies then caught up and traded baskets with FIU to have a 19-17 lead.

FIU then went on a 16-0 run, capitalizing on New Mexico State’s turnovers to make it 33-17. Most of the points they scored on this run were in the paint, and Corey Stephenson dropped 10 points in just over two minutes.

New Mexico would not go down without a fight, though, going on an 11-0 run with the help of three 3-point baskets, FIU’s lead was cut to just five at the 2:52 mark.

FIU finished the 1st half with a 44-39 lead, shooting for 55% with 24 paint points and 11 assists.

Panthers Expand Lead

FIU picked up where they left off at the start of the 2nd half, going on a 9-0 run that was highlighted by several trips to the free throw line. The Panthers expanded their lead to 53-39 at the 16:27 mark.

The FIU Panthers outscored 14-4 later on in the half to capitalize on what already was a statement lead. They displayed their toughness by taking fouls and making steals. The Panthers led by as many as 26 in what became an 80-54 game.

Tough 🪣 against the old squad 😁@zawdie1 pic.twitter.com/B85fbqboM4

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 2, 2026

FIU finished the game shooting 53% from the court and 44% from behind the arc. They outrebounded New Mexico State 38-26.

Multiple Players Provide Team Effort

Corey Stephenson led the team in scoring with 21 points on 3-of-4 shooting from downtown. The senior grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three assists as well.

OH MY GOD SOMEONE CALL @ESPNAssignDesk, COREY IS AT IT AGAIN 💥@STBCOREY pic.twitter.com/Y2B2P0Q5Ay

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 2, 2026

Eric Dibami showed why he earned CUSA Freshman of the Week recognition with another double-double performance. Dibami scored 16 points with 10 rebounds, four steals, two assists, and two blocks.

Ashton Williamson finished with 16 points along with three assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Hamed Olayinka scored 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and had two assists.

Brit Harris scored nine points and was a perfect 3-for-3 from behind the arc.

Ball movement is 🔑@brita1_ pic.twitter.com/0jIcrLTaid

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 2, 2026

“I’m really proud of our effort tonight. This is an awesome win for us, awesome win for our program. Anytime you beat a New Mexico State team, it’s a great win. They have really good players, they a great coach, they played the right way. They play tough, so anytime you beat them, it’s gonna be hard fought.”

“I’m really proud of our guys because they had such a tough game this past Sunday against Liberty, a game we felt was within our grasp and it slipped through. I’m proud of our ability to respond, how we got after it at practice, post Sunday’s game, and I’m proud of what we did today.”

“New Mexico State made multiple runs in this game and we had runs of our own and responded to all of their runs. I’m really, really proud of the effort.”

– Coach Jeremy Ballard

What’s Next

FIU will face the UTEP Miners this Sunday at 4 PM at the OBCC. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

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