| MATCHUP | Florida International Golden Panthers | Liberty Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-13 | 22-3 |
| Spread | +11.5 -118 | -11.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | +500 | -700 |
| Total | Over 151.5 (-112) | Under 151.5 (-108) |
| Where | Liberty Arena (VA), Lynchburg, VA | |
| When | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:00 PM EST | |
| TV | CBSSN | |
The FIU Panthers and the Liberty Flames meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Liberty Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a FIU Panthers vs. Liberty Flames prediction.
FIU Panthers Recap
The FIU Panthers come into this game looking to add on to their 77-64 win over Louisiana Tech last time out to sit at 12-13. After this game, FIU will head home for a game against Missouri State.
Panthers Snap Two-Game Skid
Corey Stephenson leads the Panthers in scoring and rebounding with 18.1 PPG and 7 RPG along with 2.2 APG while Julian Mackey has 12.3 PPG with 2.7 RPG and 2.3 APG. Hamed Olayinka has 11 PPG with 6.3 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for FIU up to this point in the year. Zawdie Jackson has 9.8 PPG with 2.8 RPG and a team-high 3.6 APG to lead the Panthers in assists while Eric Dibami also has 8.8 PPG and 6.8 RPG and Ashton Williamson has 7.9 PPG with 2.2 RPG and 3.4 APG. As a team, FIU is averaging 87.3 PPG on 47.5% shooting from the field, 35.9% from three and 67.4% from the foul line this season.
Liberty Flames Recap
The Liberty Flames come into this game looking to add on to their 73-64 win over UTEP last time out to sit at 22-3 this year. After this game, Liberty will take on Western Kentucky at home.
Flames Looking For Share Of CUSA Title
Brett Decker Jr. leads the Flames in scoring with 17.8 PPG along with 2.9 RPG while Kaden Metheny has 13.1 PPG with 2.8 RPG and 2.9 APG as well this season. Colin Porter has 11.4 PPG with 2.8 RPG and 3.4 APG while JJ Harper has 10.4 PPG with 2.8 RPG. Zach Cleveland has 11.6 PPG along with team-highs of 8.3 RPG and 7.3 APG to lead the Flames in rebounding and assists to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Liberty so far this season. As a team, Liberty is averaging 80.3 PPG on 52.6% shooting from the field, 39.9% from three and 69.8% from the foul line this season.
Florida International Panthers @ Liberty Flames Betting Trends: February 19, 2026
Why the Liberty Flames will win
- Liberty has won each of its last 19 games against Conference opponents.
- Florida International has lost each of its last 11 Thursday road games.
- Liberty has won the first half in each of its last 10 night games at Liberty Arena (Lynchburg).
Why the Florida International Panthers will win
- The road team has won four of Liberty’s last five games.
- Florida International has won the first half in each of its last six games.
Total Points Facts
- Fourteen of Liberty’s last 15 Thursday games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
- Nine of Florida International’s last 11 night games have produced a total of 152+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Liberty has recorded the equal-longest road winning streak among Division 1 teams this season (9 games).
- Liberty ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (8.5).
- Florida International ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (9.7).
- Florida International ranks 356th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (28.2).
FIU Panthers vs. Liberty Flames Prediction
I’m on FIU and the points. FIU took Liberty to OT earlier this year, and while Liberty’s rolling with the wins and can clinch a share of the regular season title with a win, they haven’t covered a ton of these games and I think the Flames could be in for a bit of a battle here. Give me FIU.