Can the Panthers Claw Their Way to Victory at Pete Mathews Coliseum?

As the Florida International Panthers prepare to face off against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, fans are eager to see if their team can continue its dynamic play on foreign hardwood. The upcoming clash at Pete Mathews Coliseum promises to be a test of resilience and strategy for the Panthers.

In recent games, the Panthers have shown a penchant for high-scoring affairs, notching 92 points in an overtime thriller against Utah Tech, although falling short by just four points. Their offense was firing from all cylinders with a solid 45 percent field goal percentage and an impressive 34 percent from beyond the arc. However, they will need to tighten up defensively after allowing 96 points in that contest.

The subsequent game saw them bounce back with an 82-74 victory over Maine Black Bears. The team's shooting efficiency improved remarkably as they hit over half their field goals and two-point attempts while maintaining a strong presence in the paint with 36 points.

However, consistency remains elusive; in their most recent outing against Stetson Hatters, they faltered slightly with only a 34 percent field goal success rate leading to a disappointing loss where they managed just 68 points. Despite this setback, there were positives: their assist-to-turnover ratio was commendable at 3.6 and could be pivotal in controlling game tempo moving forward.

As we look ahead to January's matchup, it is clear that maintaining offensive efficiency while shoring up defensive lapses will be key for Florida International. Playing away from home adds another layer of complexity; however, if past performances are any indication, this team has both the firepower and tenacity required for success on any court.

Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ as these two teams go head-to-head on January 6th at Pete Mathews Coliseum located in Jacksonville starting at 5 PM Eastern Time (4 PM Central).