
Jacksonville Dolphins

Florida International Golden Panthers
Preview
Preview: Jacksonville Dolphins at Florida International Golden Panthers WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — Two teams riding the momentum of overtime victories will meet Saturday when the Jacksonville Dolphins visit the Florida International Golden Panthers at Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Both squads enter the nonconference matchup with 4-win records, seeking to move above .500. Jacksonville (4-4) is coming off an 85-82 overtime win against Florida A&M on Tuesday. Florida International (4-3) edged Florida Gulf Coast 89-83 on Wednesday. The Dolphins have shown resilience, with three of their wins coming by five points or fewer, including a 69-67 victory at Virginia Military Institute. However, consistency has been an issue, as evidenced by a 53-68 home loss to Pacific just three days before their most recent overtime triumph. A key to Jacksonville’s chances will be the play of guard Jaylen Jones. The standout is averaging 11.5 points per game but is capable of explosive performances, having scored 17 points against VMI and 16 in the win over Florida A&M. His production often mirrors the team’s success. The Golden Panthers counter with their own high-scoring guard in Corey Stephenson. He is averaging 18.6 points per game and poses a multifaceted threat, having recorded a 25-point, 10-rebound, 6-assist stat line in a loss at LSU. Stephenson has scored 18 or more points in four of his last five outings. Florida International has been strong at home, winning three of four games in Westchester, with the lone loss a narrow 72-80 defeat to James Madison. Their offense has been potent, surpassing 89 points in three games this season. For Jacksonville, finding secondary scoring behind Jones will be critical. Chris Arias (15 points) and Evan Sterck (14 points) provided vital support in the overtime win, and similar contributions will be needed against a Florida International team averaging 81.1 points per game. This contest represents a final tune-up before both teams embark on challenging stretches. Jacksonville faces a road game at Texas A&M next week, while Florida International prepares for a crosstown trip to Miami (Fla.). Tip-off is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, at Ocean Bank Convocation Center.