FIU Drops First CUSA Road Game To Jax State

Despite getting off to a 14-0 lead to begin the game, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks would mount a quick comeback and eventually defeat the Panthers by a final score of 71-64.

FIU will continue to search for their first conference road win since March 4th, 2023.

Losing the rebound battle

A big reason for the Panthers’ success this season has been the rebounding, ranking sixth in the conference (fourth in offensive rebounds).

On Wednesday night, the Panthers were outrebounded 33-21. FIU only had nine rebounds in the second half of play, against the Gamecocks 14.

Struggles From Beyond The Arc

FIU going into Wednesday’s contest, the Panthers had the second-best three-point percentage in Conference USA, but that did not translate into the game, as FIU went 4-15 from the three-point line (26.7%)

Big Game For Zawdie Jackson

Zawdie gets it to go, and-one! ➕@zawdie1 pic.twitter.com/jFZR2tC10z

— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) January 8, 2026

It’s been an up-and-down season for the New Mexico State transfer, but against Jax State, Jackson posted 19 points, two rebounds, three assists, two steals and went 6-8 from the field.

Through 15 games, Jackson is averaging 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and has 23 steals, which is third in Conference USA.

What’s Next?

With the loss, FIU falls to 9-6 on the season and do not have a game until Saturday, when they take on the Missouri State Bears (9-6) at 5:00 pm ET on ESPN+.

About Post Author

Kevin Barral

Hello, my name is Kevin Barral. I am currently covering FIU Football for Lemon City, but have been covering Miami Marlins baseball since the 2021 season with Fish Stripes and that has been my main forte so far in my young sports media career. I am excited to cover FIU Football this season and moving forward. I love to travel, play sports, and go out with my friends to Flanigans when not covering or writing.

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