MIAMI – Tymell Murphy recorded a career-high 28 points and 15 rebounds, and Marco Porcher Jimenez converted late free throws to lift Florida International over Louisiana-Lafayette 75-70 Saturday night in a Sun Belt Conference showdown.
Jimenez finished with 10 points for FIU (6-7, 2-3).
Tied at 64, FIU took the lead 67-64 behind Malik Smith's 3-pointer with 1:30 left to play. Murphy then converted a three-point play with 42 seconds left to give the Golden Panthers the lead, 70-64.
After Steven Wronkoski made a free throw to cut the deficit to three, 73-70 with 17 seconds remaining, Wronkoski then fouled Jimenez. Jimenez made both free throws, and the Ragin' Cajuns turned the ball over on their last possession to seal the victory for FIU.
Jerome Frink grabbed 12 boards to help FIU dominate inside, outrebounding Louisiana-Lafayette 48-37, while outscoring them inside 34-18.
Bryant Mbamalu led Louisiana-Lafayette with 23 points.