Florida International Panthers Defeat Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 84-76
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Thomas Assembly Center
Florida International Panthers 84, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Florida International Panthers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs?
Florida International Panthers beat Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 84-76 at Thomas Assembly Center on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida International Panthers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs?
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Thomas Assembly Center, the Florida International Panthers defeated the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs with a final score of 84-76. This victory marks an important win for the Panthers, who have now improved their record to 15-15, while the Bulldogs drop to 16-14. The game was notable not only for the competitive spirit displayed but also for the implications it has on the season for both teams.
The Bulldogs entered the game with a home record of 16-13 and had been showing a mixed form lately, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games. They had recently secured a narrow victory against Missouri State, winning 72-70, but had also suffered a loss to the Panthers just two weeks prior, where they fell 64-77. On the other hand, the Panthers had a record of 14-15 and were 4-6 in their last ten games, having lost their most recent outing against Sam Houston Bearkats 67-100. Despite their struggles, Florida International had shown resilience, notably defeating Louisiana Tech in their previous encounter.
In terms of scoring, the Bulldogs averaged 71.5 points while allowing 72.2 points in their last ten games, indicating a slight struggle on the defensive end. Their recent scoring average over the last five games was 69.4 points, with an average of 70.8 points allowed. Conversely, the Panthers averaged 75.9 points but allowed 79.2 points, which has been a concern for their defensive strategy. Their last five games reflected a scoring average of 73.8 points, with 77.8 points allowed.
Home court advantage has been a factor for Louisiana Tech, with a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while Florida International struggled on the road with a 2-4 record in their last six away games. This matchup was crucial for both teams as they sought to solidify their standings in the league.
In their head-to-head meetings, the Bulldogs had a 2-1 record against the Panthers over the last two seasons. However, the Panthers' recent victory suggested a shift in momentum. The previous encounters included a decisive 82-71 win for Louisiana Tech in February 2025 and an earlier 81-64 victory in January 2025, both at home. The Panthers’ win on February 14, 2026, was a significant boost and set the stage for this rematch.
In terms of player availability, the block did not provide specific details regarding injuries, but any absence of key players could have influenced the game dynamics. The conditions in the arena were typical for a late February evening, with fans eager to support their teams in a critical matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Louisiana Tech favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 145.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the expectations for a closely contested game. The spread and moneyline odds were indicative of the perceived strengths of both teams, with Louisiana Tech at -142 for the moneyline and Florida International at +120.
As the game progressed, the Panthers took control in the second half, showcasing their offensive prowess. Key plays included multiple free throws by Zawdie Jackson, who contributed significantly to the Panthers' scoring in the final moments. DJ Dudley also made a crucial three-point jumper, further extending Florida International's lead. The Bulldogs fought hard to close the gap, but ultimately fell short as the Panthers secured their victory.
Fans and analysts alike should take note of the Panthers' ability to perform under pressure, especially in away games, while the Bulldogs will need to reassess their defensive strategies moving forward. The outcome of this game could have lasting implications as both teams look to position themselves for the remainder of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LT -2.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | Florida International Panthers +120 · Louisiana Tech Bulldogs -142 |
Leaders
- PointsJaylen Fenner25Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- AssistsAJ Bates7Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- ReboundsJaylen Fenner7Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- PointsCorey Stephenson21Florida International Panthers
- AssistsEric Dibami6Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsEric Dibami10Florida International Panthers
Recent form
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Last 10: 6-4Streak W171.5 scored · 72.2 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W72-70vs Missouri State BearsFeb 27
- L55-58at Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 21
- W77-71vs Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 19
- L64-77at Florida International PanthersFeb 14
- W79-78at Missouri State BearsFeb 13
- W87-78vs Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 7
- L63-72vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 5
- L67-83at Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 1
- W69-59at UTEP MinersJan 29
- W82-76vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 23
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L175.9 scored · 79.2 allowed per game2-4 away
- L67-100at Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 27
- W70-67vs Missouri State BearsFeb 21
- L89-90at Liberty FlamesFeb 19
- W77-64vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 14
- L66-68vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 13
- L70-80at Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 7
- W88-84at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 5
- L74-78vs Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 29
- W81-78at New Mexico State AggiesJan 24
- L77-83at UTEP MinersJan 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Florida International Panthers | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-53 | 25-53 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 13-23 | 7-18 |
| Three-point % | 57 | 39 |
| Free throws | 21-27 | 19-26 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 19 |
| Assists | 18 | 15 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 19 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 32 |
| Fouls | 21 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 51 | 43 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-43Will Allen makes layup
- 2nd Half43-45Will Allen makes layup (Avery Thomas II assists)
- 2nd Half46-45Julian Mackey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half46-48DJ Dudley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Melian Martinez assists)
- 2nd Half46-50Jaylen Fenner makes layup (DJ Dudley assists)
- 2nd Half46-52Avery Thomas II makes layup (Jaylen Fenner assists)
- 2nd Half48-52Corey Stephenson makes layup (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half48-54DJ Dudley makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half51-54Corey Stephenson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half51-57Kaden Cooper makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Fenner assists)
- 2nd Half52-57Eric Dibami makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-59Kaden Cooper makes layup (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half55-59Corey Stephenson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brit Harris assists)
- 2nd Half57-59Corey Stephenson makes 17-foot jumper (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half60-59Corey Stephenson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Thiago Sucatzky assists)
- 2nd Half63-59Julian Mackey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half66-59Brit Harris makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half66-61DJ Dudley makes 13-foot jumper (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half69-61Julian Mackey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Corey Stephenson assists)
- 2nd Half69-64DJ Dudley makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half71-64Zawdie Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half72-64Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-66Jaylen Fenner makes layup
- 2nd Half72-67Jaylen Fenner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half74-67Eric Dibami makes layup (Julian Mackey assists)
- 2nd Half74-68AJ Bates makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-69AJ Bates makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-69Hamed Olayinka makes layup
- 2nd Half76-70Kaden Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-72DJ Dudley makes layup
- 2nd Half77-72Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-72Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-73AJ Bates makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-73Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-73Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-73Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-73Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-76DJ Dudley makes 24-foot three point jumper (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half83-76Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-76Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, below favours Florida International Panthers.
Venue
- Thomas Assembly CenterRuston, LA
- Attendance2265
- OfficialsMichael Wallace, John Johnson, Steve Divine
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