Jacksonville State Edges Florida International in Close Contest
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Jacksonville State Gamecocks 78, Florida International Panthers 74, 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 Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Florida International Panthers?
Jacksonville State Gamecocks beat Florida International Panthers 78-74 at Ocean Bank Convocation Center on January 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Florida International Panthers?
Florida International Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks defeated the Florida International Panthers with a final score of 78-74 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center on January 29, 2026. This victory marked Jacksonville State's fifth consecutive win over Florida International, extending their head-to-head record to 4-0 in recent meetings.
The Gamecocks entered the game with a record of 11-9, having recently shown improved form with a 6-4 record in their last ten games, including a current winning streak of two games. They averaged 70.8 points while allowing 69.3 points during this stretch. In their most recent outing, Jacksonville State secured a convincing 75-58 victory against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, showcasing their defensive capabilities and offensive efficiency.
On the other hand, Florida International, with a record of 10-11, struggled to find consistency, holding a 4-6 record in their last ten games. They had recently snapped a losing streak with a win against the New Mexico State Aggies, scoring 81 points while allowing 78 in that match. Their average scoring during the last five games was 75.6 points, while they allowed 81 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that Jacksonville State capitalized on.
The Gamecocks have performed better away from home, with a 2-2 record in their last four away games, compared to the Panthers' 1-4 record in their last five games away from home. This fixture was particularly significant as it presented an opportunity for Florida International to reverse their fortunes against a rival they have struggled against in recent seasons.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide any specific details regarding player absences, which could have influenced the game’s outcome. However, both teams fielded competitive lineups that contributed to the intensity of the match.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Florida International favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 148.5. The odds reflected the expectation of a competitive game, and the final score underscored that anticipation.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a basketball game, with a charged atmosphere as both teams vied for an important victory. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle that kept them on the edge of their seats, particularly in the second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times.
Key moments in the second half included crucial free throws from Zawdie Jackson and AC Bryant, which helped Jacksonville State maintain their lead. Jacoby Hill's late-game contributions, including a jumper and subsequent free throws, sealed the victory for the Gamecocks, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
Overall, this game highlighted the competitive nature of the NCAAB landscape, with Jacksonville State continuing their dominance over Florida International. The Panthers will need to reassess their strategies as they look to improve their performance in upcoming fixtures.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FIU -3.5 | 148.5 o -115 / u -105 | Jacksonville State Gamecocks +154 · Florida International Panthers -185 |
Leaders
- PointsCorey Stephenson20Florida International Panthers
- AssistsJulian Mackey2Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsEric Dibami10Florida International Panthers
- PointsMostapha El Moutaouakkil31Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- AssistsMostapha El Moutaouakkil4Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- ReboundsIaroslav Niagu7Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Recent form
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 4-6Streak W182.2 scored · 78.1 allowed per game3-2 at home
- 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
- W121-70vs Trinity College of Jacksonville EaglesDec 22
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Last 10: 6-4Streak W270.8 scored · 69.3 allowed per game2-2 away
- W75-58vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 24
- W64-60vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 17
- L62-77vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 15
- L82-88at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 10
- W71-64vs Florida International PanthersJan 8
- L69-78at Liberty FlamesJan 4
- W67-64at Delaware Blue HensJan 3
- W78-67vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersDec 30
- W81-75at East Tennessee State BuccaneersDec 20
- L59-62vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsDec 18
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 | Jacksonville State Gamecocks | Florida International Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-54 | 26-59 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 4-18 | 6-21 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 29 |
| Free throws | 22-32 | 16-22 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 28 |
| Assists | 14 | 8 |
| Steals | 11 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 19 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 38 |
| Fouls | 21 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 17 | 69 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-47Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-49Brit Harris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-49Iaroslav Niagu makes layup (Mostapha El Moutaouakkil assists)
- 2nd Half43-51Thiago Sucatzky makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-51Iaroslav Niagu makes driving layup (Jamar Franklin assists)
- 2nd Half45-53Brit Harris makes layup
- 2nd Half46-53Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-53Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-53Jamar Franklin makes layup
- 2nd Half49-55Hamed Olayinka makes layup
- 2nd Half52-55Jacoby Hill makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mostapha El Moutaouakkil assists)
- 2nd Half53-55Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-55Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-55Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-55Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Ashton Williamson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-58Ashton Williamson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-58Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-58Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-60Julian Mackey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-61Julian Mackey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-61Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half62-63Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-63Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jacoby Hill assists)
- 2nd Half65-65Hamed Olayinka makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half67-65Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes layup (Jacoby Hill assists)
- 2nd Half68-65Jacoby Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-67Corey Stephenson makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half70-67AC Bryant makes layup (Jacoby Hill assists)
- 2nd Half70-70Zawdie Jackson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Julian Mackey assists)
- 2nd Half72-70Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-71Julian Mackey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Julian Mackey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-73Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-74Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-74AC Bryant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-74AC Bryant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-74Jacoby Hill makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half77-74Jacoby Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-74Jacoby Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida International Panthers, below favours Jacksonville State Gamecocks.
Venue
- Ocean Bank Convocation CenterMiami, FL
- Attendance1124
- OfficialsChuck Jones, Shane Land, Chase Shaw
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