Beard scores 26 points, leads FIU past Columbia 98-87

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NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Beard Jr. scored 26 points and tied his career high with 10 assists, Devon Andrews added 17 points with 11 rebounds and Florida International beat Columbia 98-87 on Saturday at the Johnny Bach Classic.

Willy Nunez Jr. scored 15 points, Isaiah Banks had 13, Osasumwen Osaghae 12 and Trejon Jacob 11 for the Golden Panthers (4-1), who shot 49 percent to the Lions' 44 percent.

Antonio Daye Jr.'s free throw capped a 13-5 run for a 54-46 FIU lead early in the second half. Columbia twice closed to within a point, but couldn't overtake FIU. Osaghae's layup with 1:47 left put FIU up 90-85 and the Lions got no closer.

Columbia led 14-5 on Gabe Stefanini's layup, but FIU scored 10 straight and Jacob's free throw put FIU up 43-41 at halftime.

Stefanini scored a career-high 33 points with five 3s and Patrick Tape added 11 points for the Lions (0-3), who face Fordham on Sunday while FIU takes on Youngstown State.