- Matchup: MTSU Blue Raiders vs FIU Panthers
- Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
- Venue: Ocean Bank Convocation Center, Miami, FL
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The FIU Panthers (14-15) are set to face the MTSU Blue Raiders (15-14) at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center this Thursday.
The MTSU Blue Raiders recently triumphed over New Mexico State, securing an 86-85 victory. MTSU posted a shooting percentage of 50.9% (29 of 57) during the game, hitting 7 of 22 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free throw line, they converted 21 of 27 shots, boasting a 77.8% success rate. The Blue Raiders grabbed a total of 34 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards, and dished out 11 assists while committing 7 turnovers and recording 3 steals. Defensively, MTSU allowed New Mexico State to shoot 44.6% (33 of 74). New Mexico State, despite not recording any blocks, achieved 10 assists and 9 steals while finishing with 32 rebounds (14 offensive, 18 defensive) and making 75.0% from the line (12 of 16). The Blue Raiders committed 14 personal fouls compared to New Mexico State’s 21.
Jahvin Carter was instrumental in this contest, shooting 58.8% from the field, contributing 7 assists, and playing 33 minutes. He finished with 27 points, making 10 of 17 attempts.
This matchup sees MTSU holding a record of 15-14 this season. They average 11.3 turnovers and commit 17.1 fouls per game. As a collective, they secure 36.4 rebounds per game and have recorded 414 assists this year, placing them at 199th in Division 1 for ball distribution. The Blue Raiders have a shooting percentage of 33.6% from three (267 of 795) and 69.6% from the charity stripe. They average 75.8 points per game, ranking 179th nationwide, while shooting 44.7% overall.
Defensively, MTSU forces 11.1 turnovers per game and commits 15.7 fouls. They rank 41st in Division 1 for assists allowed, giving up 342 assists this season. The defense permits a field goal percentage of 44.1% (742 of 1,681) and collects 34.2 rebounds per game, while allowing 33.0% from three-point range and ranking 158th in points allowed per game at 73.1.
In their recent game, the FIU Panthers defeated Louisiana Tech with a final score of 84-76. The Panthers secured 16 defensive rebounds and 7 offensive, totalizing 23 boards in this matchup. They had 14 turnovers but managed to register 7 steals. Louisiana Tech committed 22 personal fouls, giving the Panthers 27 free throw attempts, of which they converted 21 at a rate of 77.8%. In terms of three-point shooting, FIU hit 13 of 23 attempts (56.5%) and finished 25 of 53 from the field for a 47.2% shooting percentage. Their defensive effort allowed Louisiana Tech the same field goal percentage. The Panthers allowed 28 rebounds (11 offensive) to Louisiana Tech.
Corey Stephenson played a key role for the Panthers, finishing with a field goal percentage of 50.0% (7 of 14), accumulating 3 rebounds, and scoring 21 points in 37 minutes alongside 2 assists.
FIU stands at 14-15 this season. On offense, the Panthers shoot 45.5% from the field, ranking 170th in college basketball. They have scored 2,349 points (81.0 per game) and average 37.6 rebounds per contest. They dish out 15.1 assists per game (109th in D-1) and average 12.9 turnovers. The Panthers commit 18.0 fouls and hit 69.2% from the free throw line.
Defensively, the Panthers rank 304th in points allowed per game at 78.5. They force 15.3 turnovers per game and allow opponents to shoot 43.5% from the field (136th in college). FIU’s defense concedes 35.5% from beyond the arc and lets teams make 71.2% of foul shots. They allow an average of 16.6 assists and 37.2 total rebounds per game, ranking 349th and 330th in Division 1.
Who will claim victory in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Take MTSU
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