WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the Florida International men’s basketball team capitalized on a cascade of Omaha turnovers to secure a 74-61 victory on Wednesday afternoon at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Golden Panthers improved to 3-3 on the season, while the Mavericks fell to 2-6.

Florida International’s defense was the story of the game, forcing 19 Omaha turnovers and converting them into 22 points. The Golden Panthers also recorded 14 steals and 7 blocks, consistently disrupting the Mavericks’ offensive flow. Omaha, by contrast, managed just 4 points off 7 Florida International turnovers.

The game was a tale of two halves with a consistent theme. Florida International took a 38-31 lead into halftime and maintained control after the break, outscoring Omaha 36-30 in the second period. The Mavericks were never able to mount a sustained comeback, as their ball-handling issues persisted throughout the contest.

Brit Harris led all scorers with 24 points for Florida International, providing a crucial offensive spark off the bench. Corey Stephenson was a force on both ends, just missing a double-double with 15 points and 9 rebounds, while also contributing 3 assists, a block, and a steal. Julian Mackey also reached double figures with 12 points.

For Omaha, Kamryn Thomas recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Lance Waddles matched Thomas’s scoring output with 15 points of his own.

The statistical sheet painted a clear picture of Florida International’s disruptive defensive effort. The Golden Panthers dished out 14 assists compared to Omaha’s 5, highlighting their more fluid and opportunistic offense. While both teams had subpar shooting nights, Florida International’s efficiency from beyond the arc was a key differentiator; they connected on 11 of 31 three-point attempts, while Omaha managed just 7 of 27.

Omaha’s offense struggled to find any rhythm, scoring 61 points on 74 possessions for an offensive rating of 83.0. Florida International, while not explosive, was more efficient with an offensive rating of 100.7, scoring 74 points on 73 possessions.

The game drew an attendance of 328 to the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The loss extends a difficult early-season stretch for Omaha, which has now dropped three games in a row. Florida International, meanwhile, evened its record and will look to build momentum as it heads into its next contest.