FIU Panthers Defeat UTEP Miners 76-64 in NCAAB Clash
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Florida International Panthers 76, UTEP Miners 64, 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 UTEP Miners vs Florida International Panthers?
Florida International Panthers beat UTEP Miners 76-64 at Ocean Bank Convocation Center on January 4, 2026.
Who was favored in UTEP Miners vs Florida International Panthers?
Florida International Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -345 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
The Florida International Panthers secured a decisive 76-64 victory over the UTEP Miners at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. This matchup was significant not only for the standings but also for the contrasting forms of the two teams leading into the game. The Panthers entered the contest with a home record of 9-5, including a strong 7-3 in their last ten games, while the Miners struggled with a 4-10 overall record and had lost their last two games.
In the lead-up to this game, Florida International showcased an impressive offensive performance, averaging 89.8 points scored and allowing 78.7 points over their last ten games. Their most recent outing was a win against New Mexico State, where they triumphed 89-74. In contrast, UTEP's recent form was concerning, as they averaged only 65.1 points scored and 74.0 points allowed in their last ten games, with their latest defeat coming at the hands of Missouri State, where they lost 79-55.
The Panthers' home record was particularly strong, standing at 7-2, while the Miners struggled on the road, holding an away record of 0-6. This disparity in performance at home versus away was a crucial factor leading into the game. Historically, the Panthers had faced the Miners twice in the previous season, losing both encounters, which added an extra layer of motivation for FIU to secure a win.
Injury reports were not detailed in the provided facts, but both teams were expected to field their best players for this important matchup. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Florida International was favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The home moneyline was listed at -345.0, while UTEP's moneyline was at 275.0, reflecting the Panthers' stronger position in the market.
The conditions during the game were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early on. As the game progressed, Florida International maintained control, with notable scoring plays including a 24-foot three-point jumper by KJ Thomas and a 23-foot three-point jumper by Ashton Williamson, which helped to extend their lead.
The scoring plays highlighted the Panthers' offensive versatility, with contributions from multiple players. Corey Stephenson was particularly impactful, making several key baskets, including a layup that pushed the score to 71-56 in the second half. UTEP attempted to respond, with Brit Harris scoring a dunk to bring the score to 69-56, but the Panthers' defense held firm.
Ultimately, the Panthers' ability to score efficiently and manage the game allowed them to pull away in the second half, securing a comfortable victory. The final score of 76-64 reflected Florida International's dominance, particularly in their offensive execution and defensive resilience. As the season progresses, this win could serve as a pivotal moment for the Panthers as they look to build on their current form.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FIU -6.5 | 152.5 o -110 / u -110 | UTEP Miners +275 · Florida International Panthers -345 |
Leaders
- PointsCorey Stephenson17Florida International Panthers
- AssistsAshton Williamson3Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsEric Dibami10Florida International Panthers
- PointsKaseem Watson25UTEP Miners
- AssistsKJ Thomas5UTEP Miners
- ReboundsJamal West Jr.8UTEP Miners
Recent form
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W189.8 scored · 78.7 allowed per game7-2 at home
- 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
- W89-83vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesDec 4
- W74-61vs Omaha MavericksNov 26
- L72-80vs James Madison DukesNov 25
- W104-80vs Fort Lauderdale EaglesNov 19
UTEP Miners
Last 10: 2-8Streak L265.1 scored · 74 allowed per game0-6 away
- 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
- L68-75at Seattle U RedhawksDec 8
- L59-75at UAB BlazersNov 25
- L63-74vs William & Mary TribeNov 24
- W84-83vs St. Thomas (TX) CeltsNov 20
- L51-75at Utah State AggiesNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | UTEP Miners | Florida International Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-62 | 28-55 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 10-27 | 3-17 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 18 |
| Free throws | 10-12 | 17-27 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 28 |
| Assists | 13 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 48 |
| Fouls | 19 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 18 | 18 |
| Time in front | 36 | 53 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-37Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-38Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-38Trey Horton III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Elijah Jones assists)
- 2nd Half38-40Corey Stephenson makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half41-40C.J. Smith makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trey Horton III assists)
- 2nd Half41-42Hamed Olayinka makes driving layup (Thiago Sucatzky assists)
- 2nd Half41-44Eric Dibami makes layup
- 2nd Half43-44Jamal West Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-44Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half46-44Trey Horton III makes layup
- 2nd Half46-45Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-46Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-48Ashton Williamson makes driving layup (Corey Stephenson assists)
- 2nd Half47-48LA Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-50Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup (Ashton Williamson assists)
- 2nd Half47-51Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-52Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-54Ibrahim Olajuwon makes layup
- 2nd Half47-55Hamed Olayinka makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-57Ibrahim Olajuwon makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half48-57Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-57Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-59Eric Dibami makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-61Ibrahim Olajuwon makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-61Kaseem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-61Kaseem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-63Eric Dibami makes layup
- 2nd Half53-63KJ Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half54-63KJ Thomas makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-65Eric Dibami makes layup
- 2nd Half54-67Ibrahim Olajuwon makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half56-67Cassius Brooks makes layup (KJ Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half56-69Brit Harris makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half56-71Corey Stephenson makes layup (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half59-71KJ Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cassius Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half59-73Corey Stephenson makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Ashton Williamson assists)
- 2nd Half61-73Kaseem Watson makes 19-foot jumper (Elijah Jones assists)
- 2nd Half61-76Ashton Williamson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half62-76Jamal West Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-76Jamal West Jr. makes 3-foot dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida International Panthers, below favours UTEP Miners.
Venue
- Ocean Bank Convocation CenterMiami, FL
- Attendance323
- OfficialsMark Schnur, Jason Baker, Keith Kimble
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