Williams scores 20 as Troy defeats Florida International 69-61
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Hunter Williams scored 20 points, hitting four 3-pointers, as Troy used a late rally to hold off Florida International 69-61 Thursday night, snapping a two-game skid and giving coach Don Maestri his 499th career win.
The Trojans (11-15, 6-9 Sun Belt Conference) led by 10 in the second half, but the Panthers used an 18-2 run to pull ahead 48-42 with 9:50 left.
A 3-pointer by Jeff Mullahey then sparked an 8-1 Troy rally. The lead went back and forth until the Trojans moved in front for good on Deonata Jethroe's layup, making it 55-54 with 3:50 left. From that point Troy hit 10 of 12 free throws and made both of its field goal attempts.
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Emil Jones added 17 points with nine rebounds and Jethroe had 11 points for the Trojans.
Cameron Bell led FIU (13-12, 8-8) with 12 points, while Jerome Frink scored 11 and Tymell Murphy 10.