Middle Tennessee Tops Florida International in Close Contest
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 73, Florida International Panthers 67, 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 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Florida International Panthers?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat Florida International Panthers 73-67 at Ocean Bank Convocation Center on March 5, 2026.
In a closely contested matchup, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders defeated the Florida International Panthers with a final score of 73-67. This game took place at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center and was notable for its implications in the NCAAB standings, particularly as both teams aimed to improve their records heading into the final stretch of the season.
The Panthers entered the game with a record of 14-16, while the Blue Raiders held a slightly better record at 16-14. Florida International's recent form showed a mixed bag with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, including a current streak of one win. They averaged 76.6 points scored per game but also allowed an average of 78.5 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 77.4 points while allowing 79.4.
On the other hand, Middle Tennessee had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games but was riding a three-game winning streak leading into this matchup. They averaged 77.8 points scored and allowed 78.8 points during this stretch. In their last five games, the Blue Raiders scored an average of 78.2 points while allowing only 75.6, showcasing a slight improvement in defensive performance.
When considering home and away performances, Florida International had a home record of 2-2 in their last four games, while Middle Tennessee struggled with a 1-3 away record in their last four games. This context made the matchup even more intriguing as both teams sought to leverage their strengths.
Historically, the two teams had met three times in the previous two seasons, with Middle Tennessee leading the series 2-1. Their most recent encounter on February 5, 2026, saw Florida International claim victory with a score of 88-84, but the Blue Raiders had previously defeated the Panthers 78-56 in March 2025 and 73-69 in January 2025. This backdrop added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams were aware of their competitive history.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absences could have influenced team dynamics and performance. The betting market reflected a competitive matchup, with DraftKings listing Florida International as a slight favorite with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 153.5. The moneyline for both teams was priced at -110.0, indicating a balanced view from the market on the potential outcome.
The conditions during the game were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams likely feeling the weight of their respective records. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a series of scoring plays that highlighted the tension and competitive spirit on the court. Key moments included free throws from players like Corey Stephenson and Tre Green, which helped Middle Tennessee maintain their lead in the closing minutes.
Ultimately, the Blue Raiders' ability to convert crucial free throws and execute under pressure proved decisive, allowing them to secure the victory and improve their standing as the season progresses. Florida International, despite their efforts, will need to regroup and address their defensive issues as they look to finish the season strong.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FIU -1.5 | 153.5 o -112 / u -108 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -110 · Florida International Panthers -110 |
Leaders
- PointsJulian Mackey16Florida International Panthers
- AssistsZawdie Jackson6Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsHamed Olayinka9Florida International Panthers
- PointsTre Green25Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- AssistsTorey Alston4Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- ReboundsTorey Alston8Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Recent form
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W176.6 scored · 78.5 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W84-76at Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 28
- 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
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Last 10: 4-6Streak W377.8 scored · 78.8 allowed per game1-3 away
- W86-85vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 28
- W77-67vs UTEP MinersFeb 27
- W78-66vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 21
- L70-78at Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 19
- L80-82at Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 15
- W90-87at Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 12
- L88-89at Delaware Blue HensFeb 7
- L84-88vs Florida International PanthersFeb 5
- L60-65vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 31
- L65-81vs Liberty FlamesJan 30
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 | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders | Florida International Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-58 | 27-65 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 11-30 | 3-15 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 20 |
| Free throws | 16-19 | 10-16 |
| Free throw % | 84 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 19 |
| Assists | 14 | 13 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 44 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 29 | 64 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half33-34Hamed Olayinka makes driving layup (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half33-36Julian Mackey makes driving layup (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half35-36Kamari Lands makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half35-39Zawdie Jackson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Corey Stephenson assists)
- 2nd Half38-39Kamari Lands makes 27-foot three point jumper (Torey Alston assists)
- 2nd Half38-41Hamed Olayinka makes layup
- 2nd Half38-43Eric Dibami makes layup (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half40-43Tre Green makes layup (Luka Jovanovic assists)
- 2nd Half40-45Corey Stephenson makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-47Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup (Corey Stephenson assists)
- 2nd Half40-49Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-49Chris Loofe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-49Kamari Lands makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-49Kamari Lands makes 8-foot jumper (Marcus Whitlock Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half46-49Kamari Lands makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-51Hamed Olayinka makes layup (Corey Stephenson assists)
- 2nd Half47-51Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-51Jahvin Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Julian Mackey makes 26-foot three point jumper (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half51-54Jahvin Carter makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tre Green assists)
- 2nd Half53-54Luka Jovanovic makes layup (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half53-56Julian Mackey makes layup (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half56-56Tre Green makes 29-foot three point jumper (Jahvin Carter assists)
- 2nd Half59-56Tre Green makes 26-foot three point jumper (Marcus Whitlock Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half59-58Thiago Sucatzky makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-58Marcus Whitlock Jr. makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-60Corey Stephenson makes 4-foot jumper (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half62-61Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-61Torey Alston makes driving layup (Chris Loofe assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Jahvin Carter makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half68-61Jahvin Carter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-63Julian Mackey makes driving layup (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half68-64Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-65Eric Dibami makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65Jahvin Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-65Tre Green makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-65Tre Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Torey Alston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-65Torey Alston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-67Zawdie Jackson makes 16-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida International Panthers, below favours Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.
Venue
- Ocean Bank Convocation CenterMiami, FL
- Attendance1735
- OfficialsWil Howard, Rob Rorke, Matt Jarman
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- 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