MIAMI – Marvin Roberts scored 18 points to lead Florida International to a 73-62 victory over South Alabama on Saturday night.
The Golden Panthers (8-7, 3-0 Sun Belt Conference) built a double-digit lead midway through the first half and maintained it until late in the second half.
Augustine Rubit's 3-point play with 3:06 remaining pulled the Jaguars within nine, 67-58. The Panthers responded with two free throws from Phil Gary and Jeremy Allen's field goal, stopping a possible South Alabama comeback.
Alex Legion scored 15 points and Allen finished with 13 points as Florida International snapped a six-game losing streak against the Jaguars. The Panthers last defeated South Alabama 69-67 on Feb. 18, 2007.
Martino Brock scored 22 points to lead South Alabama (7-8, 1-3). Rubit finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
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