VESTAL, N.Y. - Visiting Florida International (5-7) exploited its size advantage for 46 points in the paint and the Panthers pinned a 66-49 loss on Binghamton men's basketball Tuesday night at Dr. Bai Lee Court at the Events Center.

Binghamton (2-9) was within seven at intermission but FIU used an 18-5 run early in the second half to pull away. The Bearcats shot just 26 percent and were limited to six second-half field goals.

Sophomore forward Willie Rodriguez and freshman guard Everson Davis scored 11 points apiece to pace the offense. Rodriguez added four assists.

The Panthers enjoyed a 45-26 cushion on the glass and shot 52 percent for the game, including 60 percent in the second half.

"It was obviously a tought night," head coach Tommy Dempsey said. "We aren't playing with a lot of offensive confidence and when you're struggling to put the ball in the basket it can drain you of your energy. I thought we got frustrated with our inability to score the ball, especially from the perimeter. They had the big guy inside (Diaz, 16 pts, 18 rebs., 4 blocks), who was such a presence at the rim ... we needed to drive and kick for some shots and just weren't able to hit. Overall it was a long night."

The Bearcats will take a brief holiday break before returning to campus to prepare to host Mt. St. Mary's next Tuesday.