FIU hoops set to take the home court Nov. 17, Nov. 23

Men’s basketball will host the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks on Saturday, Nov. 17, in the home opener. The Panthers defeated the Lumberjacks last season, 58-56, in the first-ever meeting between the two squads. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. at the U.S. Century Bank Arena.

The men return to the home court with new head coach, Richard Pitino. Pitino comes to FIU after finishing his third season with the Louisville Cardinals where he served as the team’s associate head coach during the 2011-’12 campaign. He spent two years as an assistant coach for the Cardinals following two seasons with the Florida Gators.

The ladies of FIU basketball, who will open Sun Belt Conference play in Bowling Green, Ky., against WKU Nov. 19, will take part in the 18th annual FIU Thanksgiving Classic Nov. 23-25 at U.S. Century Banks Arena.

The Panthers will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the tournament opener Nov. 23, at 6 p.m., followed by a matchup between WVU and LSU at 8 p.m. Regardless of wins and losses, FIU will play in the 3 p.m. game Nov. 25, with the fourth contest of the event set for 1 p.m.

For ticket information, contact the ticket office at 305-FIU-GAME or log on to FIUSports.com.