Florida International Panthers Defeat Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 92-67
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Florida International Panthers 92, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 67, 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 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Florida International Panthers?
Florida International Panthers beat Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 92-67 at Ocean Bank Convocation Center on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Florida International Panthers?
Florida International Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive victory, the Florida International Panthers triumphed over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with a final score of 92-67. This matchup took place at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center on March 7, 2026, showcasing the Panthers' ability to dominate on their home court. The win marks a significant turnaround for Florida International, especially considering their recent form, which had been less than stellar leading up to this game.
Prior to this encounter, the Panthers had a record of 15-16 for the season and were struggling with a 4-6 record in their last ten games. Their recent performance included a loss to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders just a day before this game, where they fell 67-73. Over their last five games, Florida International averaged 75.4 points scored per game while allowing 81.2 points, indicating defensive challenges that they managed to overcome in this matchup.
Conversely, the Hilltoppers entered the game with a stronger record of 18-13 and had been performing well with a 7-3 record in their last ten games. However, they were coming off a loss against the Missouri State Bears, where they were defeated 74-87. Western Kentucky had averaged 80.8 points scored and allowed 73.5 points in their last ten games, revealing a potent offense that struggled to find its rhythm against the Panthers.
In terms of home and away performance, Florida International had a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while Western Kentucky had a more favorable away record of 3-2. The Panthers had previously faced the Hilltoppers on February 7, 2026, where they lost 70-80 in an away game. This recent defeat added an extra layer of motivation for the Panthers as they sought to even the score on their home turf.
The head-to-head record between these two teams stood at 2-2, with both teams having won games in the previous seasons. Notably, Florida International had won their last matchup at home against Western Kentucky on January 4, 2025, with a score of 85-66, which may have contributed to their confidence heading into this game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams typically face challenges with player availability as the season progresses. The absence of key players can often influence the outcome of games, and this matchup was no exception.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had placed Western Kentucky as the slight favorites with a spread of 1.5 points. The total for the game was set at 160.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair. However, the Panthers exceeded these expectations with their offensive display.
The conditions for the game were typical for a March evening in Florida, with fans filling the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, creating a lively atmosphere that energized the home team. The crowd witnessed a variety of scoring plays, including long-range three-pointers and crucial free throws that contributed to the Panthers' commanding lead.
Key moments in the second half included Zawdie Jackson's impressive 26-foot three-point jumper, which helped to extend the Panthers' lead. Julian Mackey followed with another three-pointer, showcasing Florida International's ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. The Panthers maintained control throughout the second half, with significant contributions from players like Kade Unseld and Thiago Sucatzky, who made crucial shots to keep the pressure on the Hilltoppers.
Ultimately, Florida International's performance in this game was a testament to their resilience and ability to rebound from recent setbacks. The Panthers not only secured a much-needed victory but also demonstrated their potential as they head into the latter part of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -1.5 | 160.5 o -112 / u -108 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -108 · Florida International Panthers -112 |
Leaders
- PointsCorey Stephenson18Florida International Panthers
- AssistsBrit Harris4Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsHamed Olayinka10Florida International Panthers
- PointsGrant Newell17Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTerrion Murdix5Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsArmelo Boone8Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Recent form
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L175.2 scored · 78 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L67-73vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersMar 6
- 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
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L180.8 scored · 73.5 allowed per game3-2 away
- L74-87at Missouri State BearsMar 6
- W97-65vs UTEP MinersFeb 28
- W93-70vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 27
- W94-73at Liberty FlamesFeb 21
- W88-87at Delaware Blue HensFeb 19
- W82-80vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 15
- W80-70vs Florida International PanthersFeb 7
- L66-71vs Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 6
- W65-60at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 31
- L69-72at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 29
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 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | Florida International Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-57 | 37-70 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 7-21 | 8-20 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 40 |
| Free throws | 18-29 | 10-14 |
| Free throw % | 62 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 48 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 32 |
| Assists | 12 | 18 |
| Steals | 9 | 8 |
| Blocks | 0 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 58 |
| Fouls | 13 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 27 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 16 | 80 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-51Corey Stephenson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-53Corey Stephenson makes layup
- 2nd Half35-55Zawdie Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half36-55Armelo Boone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-57Zawdie Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half38-57Armelo Boone makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-57Armelo Boone makes driving layup (LJ Hackman assists)
- 2nd Half42-57Leeroy Odiahi makes layup (Armelo Boone assists)
- 2nd Half42-59Thiago Sucatzky makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-59Armelo Boone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-59Armelo Boone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-60Eric Dibami makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-61Eric Dibami makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-63Thiago Sucatzky makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half47-63Ryan Myers makes 24-foot three point jumper (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half49-63Ryan Myers makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half50-63Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-66Julian Mackey makes 28-foot three point jumper (Brit Harris assists)
- 2nd Half51-66Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-67Corey Stephenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-68Corey Stephenson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-68Ryan Myers makes 26-foot three point jumper (Grant Newell assists)
- 2nd Half56-68Ryan Myers makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-70Julian Mackey makes 1-foot dunk (Corey Stephenson assists)
- 2nd Half57-70LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-72Ibrahim Olajuwon makes layup (Hamed Olayinka assists)
- 2nd Half57-74Zawdie Jackson makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-76Corey Stephenson makes 6-foot alley oop dunk
- 2nd Half59-76Ryan Myers makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-79Brit Harris makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half59-81Corey Stephenson makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half61-81Cade Stinnett makes layup
- 2nd Half61-84Zawdie Jackson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Brit Harris assists)
- 2nd Half61-87Julian Mackey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kennedy Brown assists)
- 2nd Half63-87Kade Unseld makes 20-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-90Thiago Sucatzky makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half64-90Armelo Boone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-90Armelo Boone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-90Armelo Boone makes layup (Jack Edelen assists)
- 2nd Half67-92Aydan Clinton makes 5-foot jumper (Renato Ruiz assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida International Panthers, below favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Venue
- Ocean Bank Convocation CenterMiami, FL
- Attendance804
- OfficialsJames Curran, James Gibson, RJ Johnson
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