UTEP Miners Defeat FIU Panthers 83-77 in Close Contest
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Don Haskins Center
UTEP Miners 83, Florida International Panthers 77, 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 UTEP Miners?
UTEP Miners beat Florida International Panthers 83-77 at Don Haskins Center on January 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida International Panthers vs UTEP Miners?
Florida International Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The underdog won.
In an exciting matchup at the Don Haskins Center, the UTEP Miners emerged victorious over the Florida International Panthers with a final score of 83-77. This game was significant as it showcased the competitive nature of both teams, each looking to improve their standings in the NCAAB league. The Miners, with a home record of 7-12, faced off against the Panthers, who had an away record of 9-10.
The recent form of both teams highlighted the stakes of this game. UTEP entered the contest having won three of their last ten games, with a record of 3-7 during that stretch. They averaged 66.8 points scored per game while allowing 73.1 points. Their last five games reflected a slight improvement, with an average of 68.4 points scored and 74.6 points allowed. The Miners were coming off a loss to the Liberty Flames, where they fell 69-80, but had secured a narrow victory against the Delaware Blue Hens just before that, winning 70-69.
On the other hand, the Panthers were struggling, having lost their last four games, bringing their record to 4-6 over their last ten. They averaged a higher scoring output of 83.1 points but also allowed 79.7 points per game. Their most recent outing was a loss to the Sam Houston Bearkats, where they lost 63-76. This game against UTEP was crucial for FIU to break their losing streak and regain momentum.
Historically, UTEP had a slight edge in their head-to-head meetings against FIU, holding a 2-1 record in their last three encounters. Earlier in the season, on January 4, 2026, the Miners lost to the Panthers 64-76. However, in the previous season, UTEP had secured victories against FIU, winning 77-63 on February 14, 2025, and 81-73 on January 18, 2025. This context added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were likely dealing with the usual bumps and bruises that come with a long season, impacting their rotations and strategies. The conditions at the Don Haskins Center were typical for a basketball game, with fans eager to support their home team.
The market had set the odds favoring FIU by a narrow margin of 1.5 points, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 151.5. This indicated a close contest was anticipated, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams. The Miners were listed at -102.0 for the money line, while the Panthers were at -118.0, showcasing the tight odds.
As the game progressed, the Miners managed to maintain a lead, with key plays in the second half sealing their victory. Notable moments included KJ Thomas making a layup and a free throw that pushed UTEP's lead to 81-75, and Jamal West Jr. finishing with a dunk assisted by Elijah Jones to cap off the scoring for the Miners. The Panthers fought hard, with Zawdie Jackson and Eric Dibami contributing crucial points, but ultimately fell short.
This win for UTEP not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a critical step in their campaign as they look to improve their overall record and standings in the league. The Miners' ability to execute down the stretch was key in securing this victory, while FIU will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they move forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FIU -1.5 | 151.5 o -105 / u -115 | Florida International Panthers -118 · UTEP Miners -102 |
Leaders
- PointsJamal West Jr.28UTEP Miners
- AssistsJamal West Jr.5UTEP Miners
- ReboundsJamal West Jr.7UTEP Miners
- PointsHamed Olayinka19Florida International Panthers
- AssistsThiago Sucatzky3Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsHamed Olayinka14Florida International Panthers
Recent form
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 3-7Streak L166.8 scored · 73.1 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L69-80at Liberty FlamesJan 17
- W70-69at Delaware Blue HensJan 16
- L56-68vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 10
- W83-80vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 9
- L64-76at Florida International PanthersJan 4
- L55-79at Missouri State BearsJan 3
- L63-75at Louisiana Tech BulldogsDec 30
- W76-66vs North Dakota State BisonDec 23
- L71-72vs Norfolk State SpartansDec 22
- L61-66at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsDec 14
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L483.1 scored · 79.7 allowed per game0-4 away
- 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
- W121-70vs Trinity College of Jacksonville EaglesDec 22
- W86-79vs Long Island University SharksDec 20
- L81-98at Miami HurricanesDec 17
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 |
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
Box score
| Stat | Florida International Panthers | UTEP Miners |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-54 | 31-60 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 6-13 | 11-25 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 44 |
| Free throws | 17-27 | 10-14 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 22 |
| Assists | 9 | 20 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 36 |
| Fouls | 11 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 7 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-49Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-51Jamal West Jr. makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half41-53KJ Thomas makes layup (Jamal West Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half44-53Zawdie Jackson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Corey Stephenson assists)
- 2nd Half44-55Elijah Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-55Hamed Olayinka makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half46-56Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-56Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-56Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-58Kaseem Watson makes 14-foot jumper (Jamal West Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half50-58Ibrahim Olajuwon makes layup
- 2nd Half52-58Ibrahim Olajuwon makes layup (Thiago Sucatzky assists)
- 2nd Half54-58Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-58Julian Mackey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-58Ibrahim Olajuwon makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half57-61Elijah Jones makes 25-foot three point jumper (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half58-61Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-63Jamal West Jr. makes 6-foot dunk
- 2nd Half61-63Corey Stephenson makes 22-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-63Eric Dibami makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-64Mouhamed Mbaye makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-64Julian Mackey makes 27-foot three point jumper (Brit Harris assists)
- 2nd Half65-66Mouhamed Mbaye makes layup
- 2nd Half67-66Hamed Olayinka makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half67-69Jamal West Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kaseem Watson assists)
- 2nd Half68-69Julian Mackey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-71Caleb Blackwell makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Jamal West Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half68-73Jamal West Jr. makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half70-73Julian Mackey makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-76Kaseem Watson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cassius Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half72-76Zawdie Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half72-77Cassius Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-78Cassius Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-78Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-78Eric Dibami makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-80KJ Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half75-81KJ Thomas makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half76-81Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-81Hamed Olayinka makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-83Jamal West Jr. makes 4-foot dunk (Elijah Jones assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours UTEP Miners, below favours Florida International Panthers.
Venue
- Don Haskins CenterEl Paso, TX
- Attendance3186
- OfficialsJeb Hartness, Lucas Santos, Anthony Eades
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond