Williams, Troy defeat Fla. International 69-61

TROY, Ala. (AP) -- Hunter Williams scored 20 points, hitting four 3-pointers, as Troy used a late rally to hold off Florida International 69-61 Thursday night, snapping a two-game skid and giving coach Don Maestri his 499th career win.

The Trojans (11-15, 6-9 Sun Belt Conference) led by 10 in the second half, but the Panthers used an 18-2 run to pull ahead 48-42 with 9:50 left.

A 3-pointer by Jeff Mullahey then sparked an 8-1 Troy rally. The lead went back and forth until the Trojans moved in front for good on Deonata Jethroe's layup, making it 55-54 with 3:50 left. From that point Troy hit 10 of 12 free throws and made both of its field goal attempts.

Emil Jones added 17 points with nine rebounds and Jethroe had 11 points for the Trojans.

Cameron Bell led FIU (13-12, 8-8) with 12 points, while Jerome Frink scored 11 and Tymell Murphy 10.

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