UTEP vs Florida International Prediction 1/18/25 College Basketball Picks
Florida International (7-11) vs UTEP (13-4)
Game Info: Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm (Ocean Bank Convocation Center)
Betting Odds: Florida International +3 -- Over/Under: 140.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
In this article, we will formulate a UTEP vs FIU Prediction for this college basketball game on Saturday, January 18th, at the FIU Arena. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:
-The Miners’ recent form and recent player performance
-The Panthers’ recent form and recent player performance
-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving FIU
-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving UTEP
-Recent betting trends in games played between FIU and UTEP
-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Miners and Panthers.
UTEP Has Confidence
UTEP Has confidence heading into this game, especially after their win in the last game. UTEP went on the road to face a very good Liberty team and they were able to secure the 72-70 victory. There were four different players that put up at least 10 points. Otis Fraizer III had a strong game putting up 14 points, six rebounds, and zero assists. Ahamad Bynum also looked impressive, putting up 13 points and four rebounds.
UTEP is going into this game with a 13-4 record and they have gone 8-6 against the spread. UTEP is averaging 73.4 points per game while their defense has given up 67.4 points per game. Texas-El Paso has ranked 225th offensively with their defense in the 65th spot. They have been impressive at the 3-point line, averaging almost 40% ranking them 26th amongst other teams in college basketball. UTEP will meet Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, and Western Kentucky after this game.
Why UTEP Will Beat FIU
- UTEP has won seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Florida International has lost 22 of its last 26 day games against Conference opponents.
- Florida International has lost the first half in each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
FIU Is Struggling
FIU is really struggling heading into this game and the offense was awful in the last game. FIU scored only 52 points against New Mexico State and they ended up losing by seven points. FIU had three different players that put up at least 11 points. Two games ago against Sam Houston State, the offense scored 74 points, but the defense gave up 81 points and that led to the defeat.
In comparison, Florida International has a 7-11 record, going 9-8 against the spread. They have been averaging 72.7 points per game and their defense has given up an average of 70.7 points per game. This puts their offense in the 242nd ranking and their defense in 162nd place. They have only averaged just over 30% of their 3-pointers placing them in 322nd compared to the 26th place UTEP. Guard Jayden Brewer is averaging 14.3 points while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from behind the three-point line.
UTEP vs FIU Prediction
UTEP has a lot of confidence while FIU has struggled and that is going to be the difference here. UTEP averaging 73.4 points per game and they are going to have no issue running up the score here. FIU’s defense is giving up 70.7 points per game and their lack of playing any sort of defense is going to be the difference. FIU's offense is fine, but with their lack of defense, they aren’t going to have enough offense to keep this game close. Back UTEP to win this game and cover the spread.
Shane’s Pick UTEP -3
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
