MIAMI, Fla. – The Flagler College men's basketball team put a scare into Conference USA member Florida International University Wednesday night at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. The NCAA Division I-member Panthers held on for an 85-81 victory over the Saints.

The game was the season opener for Florida International while it was an exhibition game for Flagler. The same two teams meet on Friday at 2 p.m. in a game that will count for both.

"I am proud of our kids' effort and togetherness tonight," said head coach Chad Warner. "FIU plays very hard and challenges you for 40 minutes. We can learn a lot from this game."

Jaizec Lottie and Marcus Henderson, both NCAA Division I transfers paced the Saints. Lottie, a senior transfer from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, led all scorers with 29 points, and managed to grab nine rebounds and dish out five assists. Henderson, a sophomore transfer from the University of Evansville, added 16 points, 10 of which came in the second half.

Flagler used a 17-7 run late in the first half to close the deficit to one (34-33). Lottie attributed for nine points in that run, including a string of seven consecutive points. Lawrence Slim's three-pointer capped the run.

FIU took a 37-33 lead into the half. Flagler shot 50 percent from the floor and limited Florida International to 34.3 percent.

The Saints used a 14-4 run late in the game as Jalen Barr made the second of two free throws with 24 seconds left to make it a one possession game (84-81).

Anthony Daye, Jr., who led FIU with 24 points, was fouled and he made the second free throw with 23 seconds remaining to give the Panthers a four-point lead.

Three three-point attempts by the Saints with under 10 seconds left did not find the mark.

Flagler out-scored FIU in the paint 46-30 and finished with a 49.2 percent mark from the field.

The Panthers converted 22 Saints turnovers into 29 points.

"We are thankful for everyone who had a hand in allowing us to play tonight," said Warner. "Playing basketball is a nice way to celebrate Thanksgiving."
 
Be the first to know what's going on with the Saints -- Follow @FlaglerSports on Twitter, follow FlaglerSports on Instagram, become a fan of Flagler College Athletics on Facebook and subscribe to the Flagler College Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with Flagler Athletics.