Beard scores 26 points, leads FIU past Columbia 98-87
NEW YORK -- Brian Beard Jr. scored 26 points and tied his career high with 10 assists, Devon Andrews added 17 points with 11 rebounds and Florida International beat Columbia 98-87 on Saturday at the Johnny Bach Classic.
Willy Nunez Jr. scored 15 points, Isaiah Banks had 13, Osasumwen Osaghae 12 and Trejon Jacob 11 for the Golden Panthers (4-1), who shot 49 percent to the Lions' 44 percent.
Antonio Daye Jr.'s free throw capped a 13-5 run for a 54-46 FIU lead early in the second half. Columbia twice closed to within a point, but couldn't overtake FIU. Osaghae's layup with 1:47 left put FIU up 90-85 and the Lions got no closer.
Columbia led 14-5 on Gabe Stefanini's layup, but FIU scored 10 straight and Jacob's free throw put FIU up 43-41 at halftime.
Stefanini scored a career-high 33 points with five 3s and Patrick Tape added 11 points for the Lions (0-3), who face Fordham on Sunday while FIU takes on Youngstown State.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Guy Pagano
- Matt Oblas
- Mike Millione
2023-24 Conference USA Standings
Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
---|---|---|---|
Sam Houston | 13-3 | - | 21-12 |
Louisiana Tech | 12-4 | 1 | 22-10 |
Western Kentucky | 8-8 | 5 | 22-12 |
Liberty | 7-9 | 6 | 18-14 |
UTEP | 7-9 | 6 | 18-16 |
Middle Tennessee | 7-9 | 6 | 14-19 |
New Mexico State | 7-9 | 6 | 13-19 |
Jacksonville State | 6-10 | 7 | 14-18 |
Florida International | 5-11 | 8 | 11-22 |