Florida International won for the first time under coach Richard Pitino with an 87-77 victory over Coastal Carolina on Saturday.
The Golden Panthers (1-2) were led by Malik Smith with 21 points, which included 5 of 8 from 3-point range, and Tymell Murphy with 15 points. Joey de la Rosa and Juan Ferrales scored 10 each.
Anthony Raffa scored 34 points for the Chanticleers (2-3), hitting 12 of 23 shots from the field, Warren Gillis had 12, and El Hadji Ndieguene had 10 points and nine rebounds.
Florida International led 37-31 at the half and extended it to 50-35 just 3 minutes in on Tola Akomolafe's 3-pointer, and Coastal Carolina never got closer than seven points.
Florida International outshot Coastal Carolina 60.9 percent (14 of 23) to 46.2 percent (18 of 39) from the field in the second half and made 10 more free throws to secure the victory.
