CORAL GABLES – It’s all about the U tonight (Nov. 13) at Watsco Center.

The UM men’s basketball team was definitely excited to get back on the court in front of their fans. They opened up hot, making it a hard beginning for the FIU Panthers.

UM had a decent lead with five minutes left in the first half. FIU, not giving up, came back & cut the lead to just two points going into half. 

The score was UM 41, FIU 39.

FIU wasnt going to let UM go into halftime thinking this was going to be an easy win for the home team.

Coming out of halftime, FIU took over.

Each possession the Panthers had to begin the second half ended on a score, putting them on top of the Hurricanes as they made an early statement here. 

About four minutes into the second half, UM has yet to find its rhythm. And a couple of minutes later, UM has found its rhythm to make this ball game a good one.

At this point, FIU was up 53-48 over UM.

All things heated up here in Miami as the game would go on to be tied at 53-53. The crowd came alive here and as UM took the lead here with 11 minutes left in the game at 60-55.

We’re under 10 minutes left in the game with a close one here in Miami. The score was: Canes 64, Panthers 62. 

Who will leave here tonight with a victory? 

With five minutes left in the game, UM did not let up, growing the lead to 10 points at 80-70 over FIU. 

Will UM keep up the heat? 

UM did just that, as it held on to defeat FIU in a close game. The final score was: UM Hurricanes 86, FIU Panthers 80. 

Records now: UM (3-0), FIU (0-3)

STORY BY: Deuntay Johnson

COVER PHOTO BY: Alec Miller