recap of their 2nd last game:
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Posted on Sun, Jan. 08, 2006
FIUFIU men drop 9th in row; women winBY JOSUE SAKATAMiami Herald WriterInjuries and off-court issues seem to be taking as much of a toll on the struggling Florida International Golden Panthers as the opposition.
FIU collapsed in the second half Saturday night, surrendering a 14-point, first-half lead before falling 81-71 to Arkansas State at Pharmed Arena. It was the Golden Panthers' ninth straight loss.
''We took a nice lead, and we didn't know how to act with the lead,'' coach Sergio Rouco said after his team dropped its second conference game.
``We're not getting beat, man; were losing games.''
Florida International (3-11, 0-2 Sun Belt) led by 14 with 2:31 remaining in the first half but allowed the Indians (6-10, 1-1) to rally with a 10-0 run to trail 34-30 at the half.
Isaac Wells and Yual Banks each scored 23 to lead ASU. Marlon Bright had a team-high 14 points for the Golden Panthers, and Elvis Lora added 13 points.
FIU's leading scorer and rebounder, Ivan Almonte, was held to four points and four rebounds.
Rouco said that personal problems are affecting several players.
He did not elaborate but identified Almonte among that group.
''Ivan is going through some issues,'' Rouco said. ``We're going to be there for him. He's not playing well right now. We've got to get him to play better but with support.''
Injuries also are taking a toll. Forward Facundo Giorgi (shoulder) and guard Chris Fuller (groin) sat out Saturday's game.
In the second half, Florida International took a 61-58 lead, but the Indians' Dereke Tipler made two steals that sparked a 9-1 run, which gave Arkansas State the lead for good.
FIU pulled to within four when Lora made two free throws to make it 74-70 with 1:23 remaining. However, the Indians hit 7 of 8 free throws in the final minute to seal the victory.
Arkansas State was 20 of 27 from the free-throw line, and the Golden Panthers made it to the line 12 times -- making eight.
