Diaz' 27 points leads FIU over FAU 62-60

Jan 4, 2015, 04:12 pm

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Adrian Diaz had 27 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks to help Florida International hold on and beat Florida Atlantic 62-60 in the Conference USA opener for both teams Sunday.

FIU led 40-33 at the 12:05 mark before FAU took a 57-55 led on Solomon Poole's 3-pointer with 2:31 remaining. Diaz answered with four free throws to give FIU a 59-57 lead with 1:18 to play. Diaz then had a block, defensive rebound and assist to Daviyon Draper, who hit a jumper to make it 61-57 with 13 seconds left.

Poole drained his fifth trey to pull FAU within 61-60 with 5 seconds to go. Tashawn Desir made one of two free throws to seal it for FIU.

Dennis Mavin added 16 points and six assists for FIU (8-6, 1-0).

Poole had 22 points on 8-of-19 shooting and four steals to lead Florida Atlantic (7-5, 0-1).