MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — Corey Stephenson scored 34 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minute of overtime, to lift Florida International to an 88-84 victory over Middle Tennessee in a Conference USA men’s basketball thriller Wednesday night at Murphy Athletics Center.

In a game defined by runs, missed opportunities, and a relentless back-and-forth pace, the Golden Panthers overcame a late deficit in regulation and outscored the Blue Raiders 13-9 in the extra period to secure the road win. The victory pushed both teams to an identical 11-11 overall record.

The contest’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final 90 seconds of overtime. With Florida International clinging to an 82-80 lead, Stephenson, a 6-foot-6 guard from Bessemer, Alabama, drained a step-back three-pointer from the wing to extend the advantage to five with 1:11 remaining. Middle Tennessee’s Marcus Whitlock answered with a three of his own on the ensuing possession to cut the deficit back to 85-83, but the Golden Panthers sealed the game at the free-throw line.

Stephenson’s performance was the engine for Florida International. He added seven rebounds and three steals to his game-high point total, consistently attacking the paint and drawing fouls. His effort offset a spectacular night from Middle Tennessee’s Whitlock, who scored 25 points, including five three-pointers, many coming at critical junctures to stem Florida International momentum.

The game was a tale of contrasting offensive approaches. Middle Tennessee launched 44 three-point attempts, making 13, while Florida International attempted just 12 from beyond the arc, opting instead to pound the ball inside. The Golden Panthers dominated points in the paint, 38-22, and attempted 37 free throws to the Blue Raiders’ 33, capitalizing on their physical advantage.

Neither team could establish a commanding lead. Florida International took a 39-38 edge into halftime, and the second half featured seven ties and 10 lead changes. The Golden Panthers appeared to seize control with a 7-0 run midway through the period, but Middle Tennessee responded with a 12-2 spurt, fueled by Whitlock and Kamari Lands, to take a 72-68 lead with under four minutes left in regulation.

Florida International chipped away, tying the game at 75-75 on a pair of free throws by Brit Harris with 21 seconds remaining. Middle Tennessee had a chance to win it in regulation, but Torey Alston’s driving attempt was off the mark, sending the game to overtime tied.

In the extra period, Stephenson and Zawdie Jackson, who finished with 13 points, provided just enough offense. A key defensive stop and rebound by Eric Dibami, who had 10 points and nine rebounds, following Stephenson’s late three-pointer ultimately preserved the win.

Beyond the star performances, Florida International received timely contributions. Harris scored nine points, while Thiago Sucatzky provided a spark off the bench with six points. For Middle Tennessee, Lands and Alston each scored 15 points, and Chris Loofe added 11 points and seven rebounds.

The game was played at a frenetic pace, with both teams finishing with 84 possessions. Florida International’s offensive rating of 105.3 narrowly bested Middle Tennessee’s 100.4, a marginal efficiency difference that proved decisive. Both teams committed 11 turnovers, but the Golden Panthers converted those into 19 points, compared to 10 for the Blue Raiders.

The loss continued a frustrating trend for Middle Tennessee in close conference games, while Florida International demonstrated resilience in winning a tight road game against the pregame favorite. The teams are scheduled to meet again in the regular-season finale on March 5 in Miami.

Florida International travels to face Western Kentucky on Saturday. Middle Tennessee hits the road for a game at Delaware, also on Saturday.