Florida International Tops Missouri State in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Florida International Panthers 70, Missouri State Bears 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 Missouri State Bears vs Florida International Panthers?
Florida International Panthers beat Missouri State Bears 70-67 at Ocean Bank Convocation Center on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Missouri State Bears vs Florida International Panthers?
Florida International Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Florida International Panthers edged out the Missouri State Bears with a final score of 70-67 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. This victory marks an important win for the Panthers, who have struggled recently, bringing their overall record to 14-14, while the Bears fall to 13-15. Both teams entered the game with identical records of 13-14, making this clash particularly significant as they sought to improve their standings.
Florida International's recent form has been a mixed bag, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games. They have averaged 77.1 points scored but have also allowed an average of 79.0 points per game during this stretch. In their last five games, the Panthers recorded a 2-3 record, scoring an average of 78.0 points while allowing 77.2. Their home record has been less than stellar, standing at 1-3 in their last four home games, but they managed to secure a win against Louisiana Tech prior to this matchup.
On the other hand, Missouri State has also faced challenges, posting a 3-7 record in their last ten games. The Bears have averaged 75.8 points scored and allowed 78.1 points during this period. Their recent form has been particularly concerning, as they have lost their last four games. In their last five, they have only managed to win once, with an average of 76.4 points scored and 78.4 allowed. Their away performance has been slightly better, with a 2-3 record in their last five away games.
The two teams had previously met earlier in the season on January 10, 2026, where Florida International lost to Missouri State 71-79 in an away game. This time, however, the Panthers managed to turn the tables on their opponents, securing a narrow victory on their home court.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player availability, but any absence of key players could have impacted the performance of either team. The matchup was priced by DraftKings with Florida International favored by 3.5 points, reflecting the competitive nature of the game. The total points line was set at 154.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
The game was played under typical conditions for February, with both teams needing to adapt to the environment of the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Fans witnessed a thrilling second half where the lead changed hands multiple times, highlighting the intensity of the contest.
Key moments in the game included critical scoring plays that defined the outcome. Notably, Corey Stephenson hit a crucial 28-foot three-point jumper with just seconds remaining, sealing the victory for Florida International. The Panthers had to fend off a late surge from the Bears, who managed to tie the game at 67 before the final shot secured the win.
As the game concluded, Florida International’s home win probability was calculated at 1.0, reflecting their successful performance in the closing moments. This victory not only boosts the Panthers' morale but also provides them with a much-needed confidence boost as they approach the latter part of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FIU -3.5 | 154.5 o -112 / u -108 | Missouri State Bears +154 · Florida International Panthers -185 |
Leaders
- PointsJulian Mackey22Florida International Panthers
- AssistsEric Dibami3Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsHamed Olayinka8Florida International Panthers
- PointsKobi Williams25Missouri State Bears
- AssistsKeith Palek III4Missouri State Bears
- ReboundsMichael Osei-Bonsu12Missouri State Bears
Recent form
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L177.1 scored · 79 allowed per game1-3 at home
- 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
- L63-76vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 17
- L86-89at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 15
Missouri State Bears
Last 10: 3-7Streak L475.8 scored · 78.1 allowed per game2-3 away
- L87-91vs Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 19
- L67-76vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 14
- L78-79vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 13
- L76-79at Liberty FlamesFeb 7
- W74-67vs Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 31
- L71-80vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 29
- W62-57at UTEP MinersJan 24
- W84-75at New Mexico State AggiesJan 23
- L87-90at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 17
- L72-87at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 15
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 | Missouri State Bears | Florida International Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-56 | 25-53 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 9-24 | 4-15 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 27 |
| Free throws | 14-21 | 16-24 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 24 |
| Assists | 15 | 12 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 40 |
| Fouls | 19 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 5 | 87 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-35Eric Dibami makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half34-35Zaxton King makes layup (Keith Palek III assists)
- 2nd Half35-35Zaxton King makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half35-37Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half37-37Darrion Sutton makes layup
- 2nd Half37-40Julian Mackey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Thiago Sucatzky assists)
- 2nd Half38-40Trey Williams Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half39-40Trey Williams Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half40-40Trey Williams Jr. makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half40-42Hamed Olayinka makes layup (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half42-42Michael Osei-Bonsu makes layup
- 2nd Half42-45Corey Stephenson makes 29-foot three point jumper (Hamed Olayinka assists)
- 2nd Half44-45Keith Palek III makes 12-foot jumper (Michael Osei-Bonsu assists)
- 2nd Half44-48Julian Mackey makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-48Keith Palek III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-49Julian Mackey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-50Julian Mackey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-50Michael Osei-Bonsu makes layup
- 2nd Half50-50Kobi Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Michael Osei-Bonsu assists)
- 2nd Half50-52Corey Stephenson makes 14-foot jumper (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half50-53Eric Dibami makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-53Darrion Sutton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-54Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-55Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-55Darrion Sutton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-55Darrion Sutton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-57Julian Mackey makes layup
- 2nd Half56-57Trey Williams Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half56-59Julian Mackey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-60Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-61Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-61Kobi Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Darrion Sutton assists)
- 2nd Half59-63Julian Mackey makes layup (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half59-65Corey Stephenson makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half62-65Trey Williams Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper (Keith Palek III assists)
- 2nd Half62-67Julian Mackey makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half65-67Kobi Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Keith Palek III assists)
- 2nd Half66-67Keith Palek III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-67Keith Palek III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-70Corey Stephenson makes 28-foot three point jumper (Zawdie Jackson assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida International Panthers, below favours Missouri State Bears.
Venue
- Ocean Bank Convocation CenterMiami, FL
- Attendance647
- OfficialsJames Hicks, Blake Harris, Matt Jarman
Elsewhere
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