Louisiana Tech (11-4) vs Florida International (7-8)
January 9, 2025 at 07:30 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Louisiana Tech -8.5 — Over/Under: 139.5
The FIU Panthers and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Thomas Assembly Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a FIU vs. Louisiana Tech prediction.
FIU Recap
The FIU Panthers come into this game looking to build on an 85-66 win over Western Kentucky last time out to fall to 7-8 on the year. After this game, FIU will head on the road for a matchup with Sam Houston.
Panthers Trying To Keep Momentum Going
Jayden Brewers leads the Panthers in scoring and rebounding with 13.9 PPG 5.7 RPG and 2.6 APG while Vianney Salatchoum has 10.2 PPG with 4 RPG as the only other double-digit scorer for FIU up to this point in the year. Jonathan Aybar has 9.9 PPG with 4.5 RPG while Dashon Gittens has 9.8 PPG with 3.9 RPG and Asim Jones has 9.8 PPG with 2.6 RPG and 3.2 APG as well to lead the Panthers in the assist department. As a team, FIU is averaging 74.6 PPG on 45.3% shooting from the field, 32.1% from three-point range, and 70.9% from the foul line so far this season.
Why the Florida International Panthers will win
- Louisiana Tech has lost four of its last five games against the Conference USA.
- Florida International has won three of its last four games.
Louisiana Tech Recap
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs come into this game looking to bounce back from a 78-48 loss to New Mexico State last time out, falling to 11-4 on the year as a result. After this game, Louisiana Tech will head home for a game against Liberty.
Bulldogs Drop Back-To-Back Games
Daniel Batcho leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 18.3 PPG along with 6.6 RPG while Amaree Abram has 13.1 PPG with 4.7 RPG and Kaden Cooper has 12.2 PPG with a team-high 7.7 RPG to lead the Bulldogs on the glass and round out the trio of double-digit scorers for LA Tech so far this season. Al Green’s added 8.1 PPG while Sean Newman Jr. has added 9.4 PPG with a team-high 9.4 APG to lead the Bulldogs in assists so far this season. As a team, Louisiana Tech is averaging 77 PPG on 49% shooting from the field, 34.6% from three, and 75.5% from the foul line so far this season.
Why the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will win
- Florida International has lost nine of its last 10 night games following a home win.
- Louisiana Tech has won seven of its last eight games against Florida International.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Florida International’s last 10 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 142+ points.
- Seven of Louisiana Tech’s last eight night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 138 or fewer points.
FIU vs. Louisiana Tech Prediction
I’m leaning towards Louisiana Tech here but I don’t love it necessarily. The Bulldogs are the better team on both ends of the floor though, and I just don’t feel like FIU matches up well. The Bulldogs have a lot more scoring depth and are a lot better than what they’ve shown in the last couple of games. FIU has a tendency to go on scoring droughts and LA Tech is the much more battle-tested side coming into this game. All in all, I think Louisiana Tech probably gets the double-digit win so I’ll lean towards laying the points with the Bulldogs in this spot.