Florida International Panthers vs Sam Houston Bearkats Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Thursday February 26 2026
Florida International vs Sam Houston picks are front and center tonight, and if you are looking for sharp college basketball picks, this Conference USA matchup deserves a deep breakdown. Seeding is on the line, and the numbers behind the first meeting tell a very clear story.
TLDR - Picks and Prediction
- Spread Pick: Sam Houston State -6.5
- Total Pick: Over 164.5
- Projected Final Score: Sam Houston 86, Florida International 74
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Stats to Know and Betting Trends for Florida International vs Sam Houston State
- Sam Houston has won 10 of its last 11 games.
- Sam Houston beat FIU by 13 points on January 17 in Miami.
- FIU shot 6-of-30 (20.0 percent) from two-point range in that game.
- 51 of FIU’s 63 points in the first meeting came from three-point range or the free throw line.
- Sam Houston ranks top-50 in offensive rebounding rate.
- FIU ranks No. 333 in defensive rebounding rate.
- Sam Houston hit 37.5 percent from three-point range in conference play.
- Sam Houston has lost just one home game this season.
Odds and Line Movement
Current Odds
| Market | Florida International | Sam Houston State |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +6.5 (-110) | -6.5 (-110) |
| Total | Over 164.5 (-110) | Under 164.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Time | Florida International | Sam Houston St. | Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/25 | 03:45:38PM | +6.5 (-102) | -6.5 (-120) | |
| 02/26 | 09:21:09AM | +5.5 (-110) | -5.5 (-110) | FIU 98%, FIU 60% |
| 02/26 | 09:20:57AM | +5.5 (-102) | -5.5 (-120) | FIU 98%, FIU 60% |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under | Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/25 | 03:45:38PM | 162.5 (-110) | 162.5 (-110) | |
| 02/26 | 09:24:01AM | 163.5 (-110) | 163.5 (-110) | OV 100%, OV 100% |
| 02/26 | 04:01:33AM | 164.5 (-110) | 164.5 (-110) | OV 100%, OV 100% |
Florida International vs Sam Houston Game Preview and Analysis
Liberty may be locked into the top seed in Conference USA, but the race behind them is crowded. Sam Houston enters this game with a two-game lead for the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. Florida International is fighting just to make the tournament.
In the first meeting, Sam Houston won by 13 points in Miami. The box score was wild. FIU shot just 6-of-30 from two-point range. Not one Panther made more than one shot inside the arc. Fifty-one of their 63 points came from three or the free throw line. That is not sustainable offense.
Sam Houston dominated the glass and the turnover battle. The Bearkats grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and forced 18 turnovers. That is not random. Sam Houston ranks top-50 in offensive rebounding rate. FIU is No. 333 in defensive rebounding rate.
Now this game shifts to Huntsville. Sam Houston has lost just once at home all season, and that came against Liberty. The Bearkats are also shooting 37.5 percent from three in conference play. FIU has struggled to defend the arc, which only adds to the edge.
Some early money has shown on the Panthers, but I cannot get there. The matchup issues from the first meeting still exist, and they may even be stronger on Sam Houston’s home floor.
Key Injuries and Notes - FIU and SHSU
- Sam Houston has won 10 of its last 11 games entering this matchup.
- FIU is fighting to stay above the cut line for the Conference USA tournament.
- Sam Houston holds a two-game lead for the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye.
- First meeting featured 13 offensive rebounds and 18 forced turnovers by Sam Houston.
Final Score Prediction
- Sam Houston State 86, Florida International 74
ATS and Total Picks
- Spread: Sam Houston State -6.5
- Total: Over 164.5
