Florida International Panthers vs Sam Houston Bearkats Picks and Predictions for Thursday February 26 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 02/26/2026, 12:50 AM ET

The Florida International Panthers travel to Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to take on the Sam Houston Bearkats. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET, and the game will be televised on CBSSN. This Conference USA matchup features an FIU team hovering around .500 and a Sam Houston squad firmly in the upper half of the standings. At the time of this writing, the odds were not released. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for today’s action.

Panthers Rely on High-Scoring Offense

Florida International enters this matchup at 13-14 overall and 6-10 in CUSA play. The Panthers recently won over Missouri State 70-67 and Louisiana Tech 77-64, while losing to Liberty 90-89 in overtime, Delaware 68-66, and Western Kentucky 80-70. That 2-3 stretch shows a team capable of competing in tight games but struggling to close consistently.

On the season, FIU is averaging 81.4 points per game while allowing 77.8 points per contest. They shoot 46% from the field and average 38.4 rebounds per game. The Panthers also distribute the ball well at 15.0 assists per contest and create defensive disruption with 9.7 steals per game, one of the higher steal rates in this matchup.

What stands out about FIU is their pace and scoring ability. Averaging over 81 points per game gives them the firepower to stay competitive, but allowing nearly 78 per contest puts pressure on their offense to consistently perform.

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Bearkats Strong at Home and Efficient

Sam Houston comes into this contest at 19-8 overall and 11-5 in conference play. The Bearkats recently won over Jacksonville State 82-78, Middle Tennessee 78-70, and Kennesaw State 83-79, while losing to Louisiana Tech 87-78 before bouncing back with a 70-66 win over UTEP. That 4-1 stretch reflects a team playing with confidence and balance.

The Bearkats are averaging 82.7 points per game while allowing 74.0. They shoot 47% from the field and dominate the glass with 40.9 rebounds per contest. Sam Houston averages 15.6 assists per game along with 7.2 steals and 3.1 blocks per contest.

Their biggest strength is offensive efficiency combined with rebounding. Scoring nearly 83 points per game while controlling the boards gives them a consistent advantage, especially on their home floor.

Florida International Panthers vs Sam Houston Bearkats Pick

Panthers vs Bearkats Pick

Pick: Sam Houston Bearkats Moneyline

Sam Houston’s stronger overall record, rebounding advantage, and home-court edge give them the upper hand in this matchup. FIU’s defensive numbers suggest they may struggle to contain a Bearkats offense that averages nearly 83 points per game.

Sam Houston’s balance on both ends of the floor and recent winning form make them the more reliable side.

Panthers vs Bearkats Total Pick

Pick: Over 160 Points

I’m leaning toward the over in this contest. Both teams average over 80 points per game, and FIU allows nearly 78 per contest. With two efficient offenses and a relatively fast pace, this game has the potential to develop into a high-scoring battle.

Final Score Prediction: Sam Houston 84, FIU 78

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