The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Beamer Scores 29 as FIU Holds Off Florida Gulf Coast, 89-80
By Piper Rampage
FIU remained unbeaten with an 89-80 victory over Florida Gulf Coast at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Florida, using a strong first half and late scoring to withstand the Eagles’ comeback attempt. The Panthers improved to 3-0, while FGCU fell to 1-3.
Trey Beamer led FIU with 29 points and three steals. His performance made him the first freshman in program history to record back-to-back 25-point games. Corey Caulker added 10 points and four rebounds.
Chase Konieczny led Florida Gulf Coast with a career-high 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists, making four three-pointers. Elijah Brooks contributed 14 points and six rebounds.
FIU took a 50-41 lead into halftime and extended its advantage to 14 points twice early in the second half. The Panthers appeared positioned to maintain control, but Florida Gulf Coast made several pushes to get back into the game.
An 8-0 run by the Eagles cut a 77-65 deficit to 77-73 with 4:47 remaining. FGCU continued to threaten, and Konieczny connected on a three-pointer with 1:22 left to make the score 85-80.
FIU responded in the closing stretch. Mason Blazer scored on a layup, and Saine made two free throws as the Panthers closed out the nine-point victory. The late baskets prevented the Eagles from completing their comeback after they had reduced the margin to five.
The result gave FIU its first win over Florida Gulf Coast since 2020. It also marked the Panthers’ first 3-0 start since the 2022-23 season.
Beamer’s 29 points highlighted the performance, and his back-to-back 25-point games represented a first for a freshman in FIU program history. Konieczny’s career-high 27 points led the Eagles’ effort, but FGCU could not overcome the first-half deficit and FIU’s late response.
The game drew an attendance of 2,263 at Alico Arena. FIU left Fort Myers at 3-0, while Florida Gulf Coast moved to 1-3.
Piper Rampage
Men’s College Basketball, The Library Media
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