MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — Corey Stephenson scored 34 points to lead Florida International to an 88-84 overtime victory over Middle Tennessee in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Murphy Athletics Center. The Golden Panthers, who improved to 11-11, outscored the Blue Raiders 13-9 in the extra period after the teams finished regulation tied at 75. Middle Tennessee also is 11-11. Stephenson keyed the win, adding efficiency to his high volume by shooting 12 for 22 from the field. Marcus Whitlock led Middle Tennessee with 25 points, including six three-pointers. The Blue Raiders relied heavily on the deep shot, attempting 44 threes but making only 13. Florida International dominated inside, scoring 38 points in the paint to Middle Tennessee’s 22. The Golden Panthers also capitalized on mistakes, scoring 19 points off 11 Blue Raider turnovers. A crowd of 3,512 saw the game, which surpassed the pregame point total expectation.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — Corey Stephenson scored 34 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minute of overtime, to lift Florida International to an 88-84 victory over Middle Tennessee in a Conference USA men’s basketball thriller Wednesday night at Murphy Athletics Center. In a game defined by runs, missed opportunities, and a relentless back-and-forth pace, the Golden Panthers overcame a late deficit in regulation and outscored the Blue Raiders 13-9 in the extra period to secure the road win. The victory pushed both teams to an identical 11-11 overall record. The contest’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final 90 seconds of overtime. With Florida International clinging to an 82-80 lead, Stephenson, a 6-foot-6 guard from Bessemer, Alabama, drained a step-back three-pointer from the wing to extend the advantage to five with 1:11 remaining. Middle Tennessee’s Marcus Whitlock answered with a three of his own on the ensuing possession to cut the deficit back to 85-83, but the Golden Panthers sealed the game at the free-throw line. Stephenson’s performance was the engine for Florida International. He added seven rebounds and three steals to his game-high point total, consistently attacking the paint and drawing fouls. His effort offset a spectacular night from Middle Tennessee’s Whitlock, who scored 25 points, including five three-pointers, many coming at critical junctures to stem Florida International momentum. The game was a tale of contrasting offensive approaches. Middle Tennessee launched 44 three-point attempts, making 13, while Florida International attempted just 12 from beyond the arc, opting instead to pound the ball inside. The Golden Panthers dominated points in the paint, 38-22, and attempted 37 free throws to the Blue Raiders’ 33, capitalizing on their physical advantage. Neither team could establish a commanding lead. Florida International took a 39-38 edge into halftime, and the second half featured seven ties and 10 lead changes. The Golden Panthers appeared to seize control with a 7-0 run midway through the period, but Middle Tennessee responded with a 12-2 spurt, fueled by Whitlock and Kamari Lands, to take a 72-68 lead with under four minutes left in regulation. Florida International chipped away, tying the game at 75-75 on a pair of free throws by Brit Harris with 21 seconds remaining. Middle Tennessee had a chance to win it in regulation, but Torey Alston’s driving attempt was off the mark, sending the game to overtime tied. In the extra period, Stephenson and Zawdie Jackson, who finished with 13 points, provided just enough offense. A key defensive stop and rebound by Eric Dibami, who had 10 points and nine rebounds, following Stephenson’s late three-pointer ultimately preserved the win. Beyond the star performances, Florida International received timely contributions. Harris scored nine points, while Thiago Sucatzky provided a spark off the bench with six points. For Middle Tennessee, Lands and Alston each scored 15 points, and Chris Loofe added 11 points and seven rebounds. The game was played at a frenetic pace, with both teams finishing with 84 possessions. Florida International’s offensive rating of 105.3 narrowly bested Middle Tennessee’s 100.4, a marginal efficiency difference that proved decisive. Both teams committed 11 turnovers, but the Golden Panthers converted those into 19 points, compared to 10 for the Blue Raiders. The loss continued a frustrating trend for Middle Tennessee in close conference games, while Florida International demonstrated resilience in winning a tight road game against the pregame favorite. The teams are scheduled to meet again in the regular-season finale on March 5 in Miami. Florida International travels to face Western Kentucky on Saturday. Middle Tennessee hits the road for a game at Delaware, also on Saturday.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two teams jockeying for position in the Conference USA standings will meet Wednesday when the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders host the Florida International Golden Panthers at Murphy Athletics Center. The Blue Raiders (11-10, 3-5 CUSA) have dropped three straight, including a 65-60 home loss to Western Kentucky on Saturday. Kamari Lands led Middle Tennessee in that defeat, scoring 25 points and grabbing five rebounds. The junior forward has been a bright spot, averaging 18 points over his last three games, but the team seeks more consistent support to halt its skid. Florida International (10-11, 4-4) also looks to rebound from a narrow home loss, falling 78-74 to Jacksonville State last Wednesday. The Golden Panthers have lost four of their last five, with their lone win in that stretch an 81-78 victory at New Mexico State on Jan. 24. The matchup features two of the conference’s top individual talents. FIU’s hopes rest heavily on guard Corey Stephenson, who is averaging 18.3 points over his last six games. He erupted for 25 points and 12 rebounds in the win at New Mexico State. Containing him will be a primary focus for the Blue Raiders’ defense. Middle Tennessee holds a slim edge in the overall season record and will rely on its home court, where it is 8-4 this season. FIU has struggled on the road, posting a 2-7 mark away from Miami. This game is the first of a regular-season series split, with the rematch scheduled for March 5 in Miami. With both teams clustered in the middle of the conference table, Wednesday’s result could prove pivotal for postseason seeding. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST.