FNU falls to NCAA DI Panthers in road exhibition

MIAMI, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2025) — Conquistador men's basketball (1-0) faced a challenging road exhibition, missing the mark against Florida International University (1-0) 101-49 Monday. This is the fourth loss in a row for FNU at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center and its third defeat versus FIU in three seasons.

In the first half, FNU kept things relatively close, trailing 50-24 behind 15 points from FIU senior Zawdie Jackson. The Conquistadors were paced in the opening half by seven points and three rebounds from Hasmar Francois. Ronald Fernandez was a problem on the glass with six points and two boards before both teams headed to the locker room for halftime.

In the second, FNU saw the game get away from its reach after shooting 37.5% from the floor. Larry Olayinka took over for 15 FIU points in the frame and the Panthers ended the game shooting 52.6% from the floor. Notably, Omar Baqai had six points while Gabriel Chang had eight on 3-6 shooting from the floor.

This is the first of three exhibitions for the Conquistadors this season, with NCAA DII powerhouses Barry University and Lynn University set to host FNU before the year comes to a close.

Up Next: FNU will be in Jacksonville, Fla., on Thursday at 8 p.m. versus the Trinity College of Jacksonville Eagles.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Omar Baqai: G; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#8 Gabriel Chang: G; 6' 3"; Freshman

#7 Ronald Fernandez: F; 6' 5"; Junior

#1 Hasmar Francois: G; 6' 3"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#3 Omar Baqai
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: G

#8 Gabriel Chang
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: G

#7 Ronald Fernandez
: 6' 5"; Junior
: F

#1 Hasmar Francois
: 6' 3"; Junior
: G