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FIU Opens Conference USA Tournament With Thrilling 57-54 Victory Over UTSA

A game that was closely contested came down to the wire, and the final shot, as FIU advances into the quarterfinals of the C-USA tournament.

By asalom
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Mavin scored 15 points and turned out to be the hero for the FIU Golden Panthers as they escaped with a 57-54 win over the UTSA Roadrunners in the opening game of the C-USA tournament.

UTSA jumped out to an early 8-3 lead, but this game would be close from start to finish. FIU would take their first lead at 17-16 on a Dominque Williams made jumper, but it would be the Runners who would own a 26-25 lead at the half.

The Golden Panthers would lead by as many as 5 in the second half, and would hold just a two point lead in the closing seconds. After Ray Rodriguez hit one of two free throws to expand it to three, Keon Lewis would answer with a big three to tie the game with just 2.7 left  on the clock.

Mavin though, who led his team in points, rebounds and assists, would have the last word. He took the ensuing inbound to mid-court and let a prayer fly. It was answered with a bank in buzzer beater, and FIU advanced 57-54.

UTSA is eliminated from the Conference USA tournament while FIU advances to the quarterfinals to take on the 2 seed UTEP Miners tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. MT.

Make sure to stay tuned to MinerRush for coverage of all things UTEP sports and the Conference USA tournament. Also, make sure to on Twitter and as always don't forget to like our Facebook Page. Picks Up, and Go Miners!