USIU Falls to Florida International, 113-103

The Florida International University men’s basketball team defeated United States International University, 113-103, Monday night at Miami.

Florida International (1-0) had seven players score in double figures, led by Carlton Phoenix’s 24 points and Sylvester Whigham’s 20.

USIU (0-2) was led by Russ Heicke, who had 21 points and 8 rebounds. Steve Smith and Rade Milutonivic added 16 points each for USIU.

Florida International, which shot 50% from the field and made 36 of 52 free throws, led from the start.

USIU pulled within three points twice in the second half, the last time on a three-pointer by Smith with 13:21 remaining to close the gap to to 66-63. Florida International then scored the next 10 points and built an 18-point advantage, 109-91, its largest of the game, with 2:22 remaining.