Amos Olatayo’s early fast break slam dunk served as a message that ULM would not be taken lightly Thursday night at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. But it wasn’t enough.

ULM (4-21, 3-16) fell to FIU (16-12, 11-8) by the score of 67-58, giving the Panthers the season sweep over the Warhawks.

“This was a game that was right there for us to win,” head coach Keith Richard said. “We didn’t win it because we’re not good enough yet.”

ULM played a smart and consistent first half behind the sharpshooting of their guards. Three point shots were hit by R.J. McCray, Kyle Koszuta, and Trent Mackey. Mackey went down hard on a play under the goal with 10:52 left in the first half. He was back just a short time later and went on to make two–out-of-three, three point attempts. He totaled 10 points in the first half, leading the game in scoring.

The Warhawks inside shooting was mediocre in the first half as they made eight shots inside and missed eight shots inside. Some of which were uncontested layups.

FIU’s full court press defense and speed regularly forced their opponents to commit a large amount of turnovers. ULM went into halftime having only committed eight.

The score at the half was in ULM’s favor, 30-23.

“I was pleased with the first half,” Richard said. “Eight turnovers against them, that’s not bad in a half at all. We missed some easy layups. Against Florida International you have to make those layups.”

After a great first half display, it was clear the first five minutes of the second half would prove to be detrimental to the outcome of the game. FIU came out strong and jumped in front with an early second half 12-2 run.

The Warhawks didn’t seem to have an answer for Malik Smith as he drained two crucial three point shots that catapulted FIU to a 20-4 run. The momentum of the game quickly shifted in the Panthers favor.

ULM did make an attempt midway through the half where they tied the game up at 48. It was a one point contest with four minutes remaining as ULM recaptured the lead at 53-52.

Thirteen second half turnovers went on to doom the Warhawks.

“I thought the team played hard, I thought they tried, but we have got to play well, too,” Richard said.

Trent Mackey was the game’s leading scorer finishing with 17 points.

The last time the Panthers and the Warhawks faced each other FIU came away with a three point victory, 76-73.