FIU Beats FGCU 89-80 Behind Beamer's 29
Florida International pulled away in the second half to defeat FGCU 89-80 on Friday in Fort Myers, Florida.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Basketball
Florida International defeated FGCU 89-80 on Friday in Fort Myers. Trey Beamer led FIU with 29 points, while Chase Konieczny scored 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds for FGCU.
Why it matters
The win moves Florida International to 3-0 on the season, while FGCU falls to 1-3. The result gives FIU an early statement win as the team prepares for its next road game.
FIU's 89-80 margin came after a 7-0 run that expanded its lead from seven to 14 points in the second half. Beamer scored 14 of his 29 points after halftime, adding three steals.
The players
Florida International University
Florida International University is a public research university in Miami, Florida, and its athletic teams compete in Conference USA as the Panthers.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University is a public university in Fort Myers, Florida, known nationally for its 2013 NCAA Tournament run as a 15th seed.
The details
Florida International took the lead for good with 11:32 left in the first half and led 50-41 at halftime. A 7-0 run pushed the Panthers' advantage to 57-43 with 18:15 remaining in the second half. Corey Caulker added 10 points and two three-pointers, and Tijan Saine scored nine, while Elijah Brooks chipped in 14 points for FGCU.
Timeline
Friday: FIU defeats FGCU 89-80 in Fort Myers.
Tuesday: FIU visits UAB.
Sunday: FGCU hosts Abraham Baldwin Agricultural.
Season Trajectory
Florida International's 3-0 start keeps it among the early-season leaders in Conference USA play. FGCU's 1-3 record leaves the Eagles with ground to make up as the non-conference schedule continues.
FIU's unbeaten start puts it in position to build confidence heading into a Tuesday road test at UAB. FGCU's 1-3 record means the Eagles need to use Sunday's home game against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural to find momentum.
The takeaway
Early-season road and home results often set the tone for conference play, and FIU's balanced scoring behind Beamer gives it a model worth watching as the schedule tightens.
What happens next
FIU visits UAB on Tuesday, and FGCU hosts Abraham Baldwin Agricultural on Sunday.
Further reading
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