Box Score NEW ORLEANS ? Nikola Gacesa came off the bench to score a game-high 16 points as visiting Florida International took a 64-54 win over a depleted New Orleans squad on Thursday evening at Lakefront Arena.
Josue Soto -- playing in just his third game of the year -- had 12 points, and Russell Hicks had 10 points and 11 rebounds for FIU (9-14, 4-6 Sun Belt Conference).
T.J. Worley had 15 points, and Kyndall Dykes had 14 for UNO (9-12, 4-6). But FIU out-rebounded UNO 40-26 and shot 50 percent in the second half to claim just its second road win in 11 outings this year.
UNO, which shot 40 percent from the field, continued its recent struggles from the free-throw line ? going 4-for-9 (44 percent).
FIU led 27-21 at halftime and never trailed after the 16:24 mark of the first half.
The game was essentially a war of attrition. Both teams came into the game short-handed, with UNO having just seven players available.
The Privateers were without starters Charles Carmouche (ankle) and Ejike Hart (knee). Johann Mpondo, who has made five starts this year, was also sidelined due to a foot injury.
UNO was also without Darrian McKinstry (suspension) for the second straight game.
FIU, which had six scholarship players out earlier in the season, was without standout freshman center Freddy Asprilla due to back spasms.
But the Golden Panthers did not miss the 6-10 rookie, as the visitors controlled the boards. FIU out-rebounded UNO 20-11 in the second half.
FIU led 48-35 with 8:22 to play following a Tremayne Russell layup. The Privateers, though, responded with an 8-0 run to make it 48-43 with 5:15 remaining.
The Golden Panthers, who were held scoreless for more than three minutes, got back-to-back baskets from Hicks, though, to build the lead back to nine. UNO did not get closer than six the rest of the way.
FIU, which entered the game shooting 64 percent from the free-throw line, was 10-for-12 (83 percent) in the final five minutes.
The Privateers fell at home for just the second time in six outings in SBC play.
UNO will continue league action on Saturday with a 2 p.m. contest at South Alabama. The game will be televised live on Cox Sports Television as well as Comcast Sports Southeast.
