- Matchup: FIU Panthers vs Liberty Flames
- Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Venue: Liberty Arena, Lynchburg, VA
- Broadcast: CBSSN
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The FIU Panthers (12-13) are heading to Liberty Arena on Thursday to face the Liberty Flames (22-3).
The FIU Panthers recently showed their strength against Louisiana Tech, securing a significant victory with a score of 77-64. The Panthers delivered an impressive 47.5% shooting accuracy (28 out of 59) and made 10 three-pointers out of 22 attempts. From the free throw line, they converted 11 of 18 chances, achieving a 61.1% success rate. On the boards, FIU collected 38 rebounds, including 15 offensive ones, while also contributing 10 assists. The Panthers’ defense forced their opponents into 15 turnovers and achieved 10 steals. In contrast, Louisiana Tech shot 46.3% (25 of 54) from the field, registered 10 assists, and captured 21 rebounds (7 offensive, 14 defensive) without any blocks. Louisiana Tech managed a modest 57.1% at the free-throw line, hitting 8 out of 14 attempts, and converted only 6 of their 19 three-point tries. In terms of fouls, FIU committed 11 while Louisiana Tech had 16.
Zawdie Jackson stood out in this contest, scoring 20 points with 6 of 12 shooting. He played for 33 minutes, grabbing 3 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists.
With a season record of 12-13, FIU has been losing possession an average of 12.8 times per game, while also committing 17.8 fouls per outing. Collectively, they average 38.6 rebounds and have recorded 382 assists this season, ranking 147th in the nation for assists. The Panthers have a three-point shooting percentage of 35.4% (191 of 540) and a free throw shooting percentage of 68.0%. They score an average of 81.6 points per game (64th in the country) with a field goal percentage of 45.6%.
Defensively, the Panthers force an average of 15.3 turnovers per game while committing 19.0 personal fouls. They rank 322nd nationally in assists allowed, with a total of 413. FIU allows an opponent field goal percentage of 42.6% (667 of 1,565) and relinquishes 37.5 rebounds per game. They concede 34.1% from beyond the arc and rank 288th in PPG allowed with 77.8.
In their latest outing, the Liberty Flames secured a 73-64 victory over UTEP. Liberty tallied 18 defensive and 7 offensive boards for a total of 25. They committed 7 turnovers and recorded 7 steals during the game. UTEP committed 16 fouls, resulting in 18 free throw attempts for the Flames, who converted 10 for a conversion rate of 55.6%. Liberty shot 50.0% from the field (27 of 54) and achieved a 33.3% shooting percentage from three (9 of 27). When the game concluded, UTEP managed to shoot 48.0% from the floor (24 of 50) and 42.1% from three (8 of 19), while Liberty finished 8 of 11 from the free throw line (72.7%). Liberty also allowed UTEP to grab 29 total rebounds (5 offensive).
JJ Harper was a key performer for the Flames, scoring 18 points in 30 minutes and contributing 1 assist. He made 8 of his 11 attempts for a stellar shooting rate of 72.7%, along with 6 rebounds.
Liberty boasts a strong record of 22-3 this season. The Flames average 13.8 personal fouls per game and hold a 70.0% rate from the free throw line. They dish out an impressive 17.6 assists per game (25th in college) while limiting themselves to 8.5 turnovers per contest. With 1,973 points scored this season (78.9 per game), Liberty also averages 30.0 rebounds per game. Their shooting efficiency is noteworthy, with a field goal percentage of 52.1%, ranking them second in college.
Defensively, Liberty allows 35.8% on three-point attempts and their opponents convert 70.4% of free throws. They allow 11.8 assists and 32.9 rebounds per game, placing them 56th and 86th respectively in D-1. Liberty ranks 35th in D-1 in points allowed per game, at 67.7. They force opponents into 11.6 turnovers and restrict teams to 43.7% from the floor (164th in college basketball).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Liberty
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