Sam Houston Bearkats Defeat Florida International Panthers 76-63
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Sam Houston Bearkats 76, Florida International Panthers 63, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Sam Houston Bearkats vs Florida International Panthers?
Sam Houston Bearkats beat Florida International Panthers 76-63 at Ocean Bank Convocation Center on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Sam Houston Bearkats vs Florida International Panthers?
Florida International Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive victory, the Sam Houston Bearkats defeated the Florida International Panthers 76-63 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it featured two teams with contrasting recent performances. The Bearkats improved their record to 12-7, while the Panthers fell to 9-10.
Entering the game, both teams had a similar overall record of 5-5 in their last ten games. However, the Panthers were on a three-game losing streak, while the Bearkats were coming off a win against Jacksonville State. The Panthers averaged 85.6 points per game over their last ten, but they also allowed an average of 78.6 points, indicating a defensive vulnerability. In contrast, the Bearkats scored an average of 82.6 points while allowing 75.6 points during the same stretch, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
At home, the Panthers had a record of 5-1 but struggled on the road with an 0-4 record. The Bearkats had a more balanced performance, with a 3-4 record in away games and a 2-1 record at home. This fixture was also significant as it marked the third meeting between the two teams, with each team having won one game in their previous encounters during the 2025 season. The Panthers won the last matchup on February 7, 2025, with a score of 85-82, while the Bearkats had previously defeated them 81-74 on January 11, 2025.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is always a factor to consider in any matchup. The market had priced the game with the Panthers as 2.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, indicating some confidence in their ability to perform at home. The total points line was set at 168.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring game, which is consistent with both teams' scoring averages.
The game conditions were typical for a January evening in Florida, with the venue being the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, which is known for its home-court advantage.
During the game, the Bearkats took control in the second half, with key plays from Jacob Walker and Veljko Ilic contributing to their scoring surge. Walker made crucial free throws and layups, while Ilic added important field goals, including a 7-foot jumper. The Panthers struggled to keep pace, and despite a late three-pointer from Corey Stephenson, they could not close the gap.
Overall, the Bearkats' victory was a testament to their strong offensive execution and ability to capitalize on the Panthers' defensive lapses, marking a significant moment in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FIU -2.5 | 168.5 o -110 / u -110 | Sam Houston Bearkats +120 · Florida International Panthers -142 |
Leaders
- PointsJulian Mackey23Florida International Panthers
- AssistsJulian Mackey3Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsHamed Olayinka10Florida International Panthers
- PointsJacobe Coleman14Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsJacob Walker5Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsDamon Nicholas Jr.10Sam Houston Bearkats
Recent form
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L385.6 scored · 78.6 allowed per game5-1 at home
- 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
- W88-65vs Jacksonville DolphinsDec 6
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 5-5Streak W182.6 scored · 75.6 allowed per game3-4 away
- W77-62at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 15
- L74-82vs Liberty FlamesJan 10
- W72-60vs Delaware Blue HensJan 9
- L67-68at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 4
- L91-102at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 2
- W117-57vs College of Biblical Studies AmbassadorsDec 28
- L78-87at New Mexico State AggiesDec 21
- W85-75at Oregon State BeaversDec 18
- W82-70at Texas Southern TigersDec 6
- L83-93at Oklahoma State CowboysDec 3
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 | Sam Houston Bearkats | Florida International Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-59 | 15-51 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 29 |
| Three-pointers | 10-29 | 9-21 |
| Three-point % | 34 | 43 |
| Free throws | 14-26 | 24-39 |
| Free throw % | 54 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 27 |
| Assists | 19 | 11 |
| Steals | 10 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 12 |
| Fouls | 23 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 93 | 3 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-35Veljko Ilic makes layup (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half39-35Kashie Natt makes 28-foot three point jumper (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 2nd Half41-35Veljko Ilic makes layup (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half44-35Justin Begg makes 27-foot three point jumper (Po'Boigh King assists)
- 2nd Half44-37Ibrahim Olajuwon makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-38Ibrahim Olajuwon makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-38Justin Begg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-38Jacobe Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half49-38Jacobe Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half51-38Jacob Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half51-41Julian Mackey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half51-42Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-43Julian Mackey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-43Po'Boigh King makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half54-44Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-44CJ Beaumont makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-45Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-46Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-48Zawdie Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half56-48Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-48Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-49Julian Mackey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-50Julian Mackey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-50Jacobe Coleman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Veljko Ilic assists)
- 2nd Half63-50Jacobe Coleman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half63-51Ashton Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-52Ashton Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-54Julian Mackey makes layup
- 2nd Half64-54Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-54Jacobe Coleman makes 8-foot dunk (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half66-57Ashton Williamson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Julian Mackey assists)
- 2nd Half66-60Julian Mackey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ashton Williamson assists)
- 2nd Half67-60Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-60Veljko Ilic makes layup
- 2nd Half71-60Veljko Ilic makes 7-foot jumper (Justin Begg assists)
- 2nd Half73-60Jacob Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half74-60Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half74-63Corey Stephenson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kennedy Brown assists)
- 2nd Half75-63Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-63Jacob Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida International Panthers, below favours Sam Houston Bearkats.
Venue
- Ocean Bank Convocation CenterMiami, FL
- Attendance432
- OfficialsBarry Mathis, Josue Nieves, Bradley Yorkovich
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