MIAMI (AP) — Tymell Murphy finished with a huge double-double, career-highs with 24 points and 20 rebounds as Florida International pulled away in the second half to beat Florida A&M 88-72 Wednesday night in nonconference play.
Malik Smith added 23 points and Jerome Frink scored six points and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds for FIU (5-7).
Ahead by two, 61-59 with 7:59 to play, Smith’s 3-pointer capped a 20-6 run that pushed FIU’s lead to 16, 81-65 with just 1:53 remaining. Smith led FIU with 13 points in the second half.
The Panthers dominated inside, outscoring the Rattlers 43-24 in the paint.
FIU also scored 34 points on 25 Florida A&M turnovers.
Murphy had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the first period as FIU led at halftime 44-37.
Reggie Lewis and Jomari Bradshaw scored 15 points apiece to lead the Rattlers (4-10).
