Panther seniors shine, defeat Tulane on Senior Day

By Patrick Chalvire/Staff Writer

Senior Tymell Murphy and redshirt senior Rakeem Buckles led the Panthers to their last home game of the season with a win over Tulane, 73-47.

Buckles finished with his 13th double-double of the season, recording 20 points and 13 rebounds. Murphy also ended the afternoon with 19 points and six rebounds.

Murphy’s 19 points moved him to 7th all-time in scoring at FIU, passing former Panther and former NBA star Raja Bell.

“I just want to show my passion for the game, show my love for the game,” Murphy said. “Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, blocking shots, whether to contribute to the team to win.”

The Panthers started the Senior Day festivities early, courtesy of a 10-0 run by Buckles and sophomore Jerome Frink.

Emotion and offense was shown throughout the afternoon as the Panthers never trailed against the Green Wave.

Prior to tipoff, seniors Ivan Jurkovic, Steven Miro, Buckles and Murphy were all recognized as they entered their final home game as a Panther.

“Want to congratulate the seniors, it was a very emotional day for them,” Head Coach Anthony Evans said. “I want to thank them for everything they’ve done. I thought they went out and did the things they were supposed to for us to get this win.”

The Panthers took a 10 point lead to the locker room, leading the Green Wave 38-28.

As people in Miami have been considered to show up late to parties and events, it no different at the Lime Court, Sunday afternoon.

Halftime seemed to be a brand new game as several known faces made it to the Lime Court. Among those in attendance were San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, along with several other NFL players. FIU President Rosenberg dawned a beach festive attire and joined the Rosenberg Rowdies near the Tulane bench, even getting a few laughs from players and police nearby.

“They [the team] just decided to come out and play with more energy and they did that” Evans said.

On the court, the defense stepped down on the Green Wave as they held their opponents to shooting just 20.7 percent from the floor (6-29) and 18.2 percent from behind the arc (2-11).

The Panthers continued their success on offense shooting nearly 43 percent from the floor (12-28), as well as 72 percent (8-11) from the free throw line.

FIU tied a season low in turnovers, only turning the ball over six times while forcing 10 Tulane turnovers. The Panthers were also in the Sunday giving mood, as the team had 16 assists for the afternoon.

The Panthers will end their season Thursday against intra-state rival FAU. FIU won their previous meeting versus the Owls on Jan. 9, 71-60.

About the Author

Patrick Chalvire
: Radio Host for Panther Sports Talk Live. Assistant Sports Director for The Beacon. Majoring in Communication Arts. Sports fan and aspiring anchor.

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