Miami and FIU Renew Men's Basketball Rivalry

June 25, 2001

Coral Gables, FL – The University of Miami and Florida International University will face one another in men’s basketball for the first time since the 1992-93 season when they renew their rivalry this season on December 3rd at Miami Arena.

“Rick Mello and I have known each other for a long time,” said UM Athletic Director Paul Dee. “Rick and I have spoken on several occasions about renewing the series, and when I approached Coach (Perry) Clark about playing FIU this season he was in agreement.”

Miami and FIU met seven times between 1987 and 1993 with the Hurricanes winning six of the previous match-ups. FIU won the last meeting between the two programs, 72-64, on December 1, 1992.

“Obviously, we are very excited about the fact that we are resuming thisgame,” commented FIU Athletic Director Rick Mello. “It should be great not only for both institutions but also for the community as a whole.”

Miami, a member of the BIG EAST Conference, returns four starters from last season’s 16-13 team that advanced to the post-season for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. FIU, which joined the Sun Belt Conference in 1998, returns three starters from last season’s 8-21 squad.