4 things to know about Thursday’s basketball game vs. Marshall

By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17 

It’s been a while, but the men’s basketball team is finally coming home – and there’s plenty to be excited about in their return.

After a very long eight-game road trip, the Panthers will face the Marshall Thundering Herd in their first home conference game of the season with a tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Students get in free with a valid student I.D. and tickets can be purchased for as little as $10 at FIUSports.com.

But the fun starts well before the game begins. Here are some things to know for Thursday’s game:

1. Home Sweet Home

This will be the first home game for the Panthers in more than a month. The last time the Panthers played at home was on Dec. 2 in a 59-38 win over Kennesaw State. Since then the Panthers have played eight consecutive road games, picking up three wins during that span.

So far this season, the Panthers have won all three of their home games and look to remain unbeaten at FIU Arena with a win against the Thundering Herd. The Panthers return to action Saturday, Jan. 17, against the WKU Hilltoppers at FIU Arena.

2. Back-2-Basketball Tailgate

Celebrate the return of basketball and take part in the Back-2-Basketball pre-game tailgate, which begins at 5 p.m. in the plaza located in front of FIU Arena. There will be free food, games, giveaways and music provided by DJ M DOT, who is also a DJ for the Miami Heat.

3. Panther Payday

Want to win an iPad? Then you’ll want to be at Thursday’s game! All students attending the game can enter a free raffle for a chance to win an iPad, a $50 iTunes gift card or FIU gift cards.

4. In-Game Entertainment

During the game, you don’t want to miss the all-new Panther Dance-Off Contest, hosted by Roary. There will also be plenty of opportunities to score some free gear with in-game contests, t-shirt tosses, team posters handouts and more throughout the game.

For more information about the game and FIU men’s basketball, go to FIUSports.com.