MIAMI (AP)—Russell Hicks scored 16 points and had 11 rebounds to lead Florida International to a 50-46 victory over Toledo on Monday night.
Nikola Gacesa added 14 points, including four in the final 17 seconds to help the Golden Panthers (3-1) hold onto the lead in the O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic.
Florida International and Toledo were tied at 31 at halftime, but the Golden Panthers held the Rockets (0-3) without a field goal until 6:07 remaining in the game in building a 44-36 lead.
Toledo had a chance to tie the score at 49, but Anthony Byrd, who led the Rockets with 14 points, missed a 3-point attempt with 5.5 seconds remaining.
Florida International held Toledo leading scorer Tyrone Kent, who entered the game averaging 25 points, to just eight points. He had reached double figures 28 of his past 29 games.
Jonathan Amos added 11 points for Toledo.
