Florida International Edges Middle Tennessee in Overtime Thriller
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Murphy Center
Florida International Panthers 88, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 84, 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 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Florida International Panthers beat Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 88-84 at Murphy Center on February 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida International Panthers vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling overtime battle, the Florida International Panthers defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 88-84 at the Murphy Center. This game was particularly notable as both teams entered with identical records of 11-11, showcasing the competitive nature of the matchup. The fixture drew attention not only for the stakes involved, but also for the fact that Florida International had previously lost to Middle Tennessee in both of their last two encounters, making this victory significant for their confidence moving forward.
In their recent form, Middle Tennessee has struggled, posting a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, with a current losing streak of three games. They averaged 68.6 points scored and allowed 69.2 points during this stretch. Their last five games saw them score an average of 66.2 points while allowing 73.4 points. In contrast, Florida International's recent performance has been slightly better, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, although they too are on a losing streak, having lost their most recent game. The Panthers averaged 77.5 points scored and allowed 78.9 points in their last ten games, with their last five averaging 76.2 points scored and 80.8 points allowed.
When considering home and away performance, Middle Tennessee has a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, while Florida International has struggled more on the road, holding a 1-4 record in their last five away games. This home advantage for Middle Tennessee was expected to play a role in the matchup, but Florida International's determination proved decisive.
In terms of head-to-head meetings, Middle Tennessee had previously won both encounters against Florida International in the 2025 season, with scores of 78-56 and 73-69. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the game, as Florida International sought to break their losing streak against the Blue Raiders.
Injuries were not highlighted in the provided facts, so both teams appeared to field their usual lineups. The market had priced Middle Tennessee as 5.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 154.5 points. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, indicating that the teams were closely matched.
The game took place under standard conditions for a basketball matchup, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. As the game progressed, it became evident that Florida International's resilience was a key factor, especially in the overtime period where they managed to secure crucial free throws to seal their victory.
Key moments in the overtime included multiple free throws made by Torey Alston and Zawdie Jackson, which ultimately contributed to Florida International's final score of 88. The Panthers' ability to perform under pressure in the closing moments of the game was a testament to their determination and skill.
Viewers were treated to a high-scoring affair that showcased the offensive capabilities of both teams, with Florida International's ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities proving decisive in the end. The game not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also set the stage for potential future encounters as they continue their seasons.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MTSU -5.5 | 154.5 o -115 / u -105 | Florida International Panthers +220 · Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -270 |
Leaders
- PointsMarcus Whitlock Jr.25Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsJahvin Carter8Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsTorey Alston8Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- PointsCorey Stephenson34Florida International Panthers
- AssistsEric Dibami3Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsEric Dibami10Florida International Panthers
Recent form
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 4-6Streak L368.6 scored · 69.2 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L60-65vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 31
- L65-81vs Liberty FlamesJan 30
- L58-75at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 24
- W90-87vs Missouri State BearsJan 17
- L58-59at Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 15
- W59-55at New Mexico State AggiesJan 11
- L80-83at UTEP MinersJan 9
- W68-67vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 4
- W88-51vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 3
- L60-69at Houston CougarsDec 30
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L177.5 scored · 78.9 allowed per game1-4 away
- L74-78vs Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 29
- W81-78at New Mexico State AggiesJan 24
- L77-83at UTEP MinersJan 23
- L63-76vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 17
- L86-89at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 15
- L71-79at Missouri State BearsJan 10
- L64-71at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 8
- W76-64vs UTEP MinersJan 4
- W89-74vs New Mexico State AggiesJan 2
- L94-97vs Liberty FlamesDec 28
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 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-64 | 24-64 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 4-12 | 13-44 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 30 |
| Free throws | 26-37 | 23-33 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 35 | 30 |
| Assists | 8 | 19 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 22 |
| Fouls | 21 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 58 | 16 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half58-58Corey Stephenson makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half58-60Chris Loofe makes 2-foot dunk (Torey Alston assists)
- 2nd Half59-60Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-60Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-60Hamed Olayinka makes 1-foot dunk (Corey Stephenson assists)
- 2nd Half62-61Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-63Torey Alston makes 1-foot dunk (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half63-63Eric Dibami makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-63Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-63Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Corey Stephenson makes layup (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half68-63Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half70-63Brit Harris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-66Kamari Lands makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sean Smith assists)
- 2nd Half71-66Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-66Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-69Marcus Whitlock Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half72-72Marcus Whitlock Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kamari Lands assists)
- 2nd Half73-72Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-73Chris Loofe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-74Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-75Jahvin Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-75Brit Harris makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half75-75Brit Harris makes free throw 3 of 3
- OT75-76Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT76-76Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT76-77Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT78-77Corey Stephenson makes 16-foot jumper
- OT80-77Corey Stephenson makes layup (Eric Dibami assists)
- OT81-77Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT81-80Marcus Whitlock Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jahvin Carter assists)
- OT84-80Corey Stephenson makes 25-foot three point jumper
- OT85-80Brit Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT85-81Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT85-82Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT86-82Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT87-82Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT88-83Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT88-84Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT88-82Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, below favours Florida International Panthers.
Venue
- Murphy CenterMurfreesboro, TN
- Attendance3512
- OfficialsCourtney Green, Tucson Grigg, Michael Wallace
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