Jose Garcia broke the FIU freshman home run record with a three-run shot to help FIU split a doubleheader with Rice on Friday at Infinity Insurance Park.
The Panthers (26-26, 15-13 Conference USA) won the nightcap, 8-6, after dropping the opener, 6-2, to the Owls (24-29-2, 12-15-2 C-USA).
FIU is currently tied for fifth with UTSA in the C-USA standings. Should the Panthers win Saturday and the Roadrunners lose, FIU clinches the No. 5 seed and a first round game against Charlotte at the Conference USA Tournament on Wednesday. The game would take place at 8:30 p.