Panthers Claw Past Aggies in a Close Encounter at Pan American Center

The Florida International Panthers edged out the New Mexico State Aggies with a final score of 57-52. The Panthers now stand with an improved record, while the Aggies face a setback. Both teams fought hard, but it was the Panthers who emerged victorious in this closely contested battle.

At the Pan American Center, fans witnessed an intense matchup as the Florida International Panthers took on their rivals, the New Mexico State Aggies. The game was characterized by numerous lead changes and both teams being tied eight times throughout the contest, indicating just how evenly matched they were on this occasion.

The Panthers demonstrated strong defensive skills with 13 steals and three blocks that contributed significantly to their victory. Their ability to convert turnovers into points was evident as they scored 22 points off turnovers compared to 15 by the Aggies. This aspect of play proved crucial in such a tight game where every point mattered.

Offensively, Florida International showed balance and resilience despite shooting only 38 percent from field goal range and a modest 21 percent from beyond the arc. They made up for it with aggressive plays that led to scoring 32 points in paint and securing eight second-chance points which kept them ahead when shots weren't falling from distance.

A key factor for Florida International's success was their performance during free throws where they achieved a solid rate of making 65 percent of their attempts. This helped them maintain their lead especially towards the end of quarters when pressure mounted on both sides.

Rebounding played an essential role as well; although outrebounded by ten boards overall, critical offensive rebounds allowed for additional scoring opportunities which were capitalized upon by FIU players.

Looking ahead after this hard-fought win, Florida International will be preparing for another challenging encounter against UTEP Miners at Don Haskins Center located in El Paso on January 13th at 2:30 PM Eastern Time (ET). Fans eager to follow their team's progress can tune into upcoming broadcasts scheduled for that day.