Postgame audio: Head Coach Isiah Thomas
Final Statistics (html)     Final Box Score (.pdf)

MIAMI - Marvin Roberts finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead FIU to an 83-73 win over North Carolina Central in Friday's opening night of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. It was Roberts' second-straight double-double, which helped the Golden Panthers to their second-consecutive home court win.

Phil Gary added 18 points and six assists for the Golden Panthers (2-3), while Antoine Watson contributed 14 points and six assists and Stephon Weaver had 13.

FIU used a 6-0 run late in the first half to break a 30-all tie, and went into halftime with a 36-30 lead after a jumper by Gary with 2 seconds remaining.

In the second half, after NCCU closed to within 50-49 on a three-point play by C.J. Wiklerson with 13:30 to play, a jumper by Marlon Bright capped a 10-2 run for the Golden Panthers that put them up 66-54 with 9:06 left in the game.

The Eagles (1-3) were led by Vincent Davis, who had 23 points and nine rebounds. Wilkerson added 21 points.

N.C. Central shot 39.7 percent from the field (25-for-63) and committed 17 team turnovers.

FIU shot 50 percent in the game (31-for-62) and had its best shooting half of the season, hitting 17-of-28 shots (.607) in the second half.

"We're learning and we're growing," head coach Isiah Thomas said postgame. "Our turnovers were down for most of the game. At the end we got a little sloppy with the basketball. We shot the ball well, but we can shoot it better. But for the most part, it's a win. We'll take it and get ready for Sunday."

The Golden Panthers continue tournament play Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. against James Madison, who dropped a 71-43 decision to Murray State earlier Friday.

For tickets and information, call the University Credit Union Box Office at (305) FIU-GAME.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.