| MATCHUP | Missouri State Bears | Florida International Golden Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 13-13 | 12-14 |
| Spread | +4.5 -115 | -4.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +154 | -185 |
| Total | Over 155.5 (-110) | Under 155.5 (-110) |
| Where | Ocean Bank Convocation Center, Miami, FL | |
| When | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 03:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Missouri State Bears and the Florida International Panthers meet Saturday in college basketball action from FIU Arena in Westchester. Here’s a Missouri State vs FIU prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Missouri State vs Florida International pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Missouri State Bears Betting Preview
The Bears were only able to win four of their first nine games this year. Next came victories over Oral Roberts, Lindenwood, Delaware, UTEP and New Mexico State. The Bears lost to Kennesaw State, Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee in the next quartet before posting a 3-1 run. Following defeats versus Liberty, LA Tech and Delaware, the Bears had a 13-12 record in 25 games.
In game 26 versus Kennesaw State on Wednesday the Bears were down by double-digits 44-34 going into the second half. Missouri State got better the rest of the way on a 53-47 run but still took the loss on their home court 91-87 in the end. Both Keith Palek (seven assists; six rebounds) and Michael Osei-Bonsu (four assists; four rebounds) had a team high 20 points in the defeat.
FIU Panthers Betting Preview
Over on the Florida International side, they weren’t looking too bad in early January with a 9-5 overall record. The Panthers would lose five straight games from there though, before hitting a 2-1 stretch that featured victories over New Mexico State and Middle Tennessee. Florida International would then lose to Western Kentucky and Delaware before a win over LA Tech for a 12-13 run over the first 25 outings.
Matched up against Liberty on Thursday the Panthers were trailing by one point 41-40 in the locker room. Florida International managed to tie it up on a 40-39 second half and forced overtime. After the extra period however, the Panthers ended up falling 90-89 in a tough road loss. Tops in scoring was Corey Stephenson with 23 points, six rebounds and four steals.
Missouri State Bears @ Florida International Panthers Betting Trends: February 21, 2026
Why the Florida International Panthers will win
- Missouri State has lost each of its last four games.
- Florida International has won each of its last three home games following an overtime loss.
- Florida International has won the first half in each of its last four home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Missouri State Bears will win
- Florida International has lost 32 of its last 40 day games against Conference opponents.
- The road team has won six of Missouri State’s last eight games.
Missouri State vs Florida International Prediction
I’m just going to stay with Missouri State. The Bears had a pretty flat first half in their loss at home to Kennesaw State this week and couldn’t make up for it after the break. Missouri State had a nice 30-18 advantage on points in the paint and didn’t play terribly overall, but did give up 48.2 percent shooting from the field and 53.8 percent (14-of-26) from outside. The Bears have lost four straight games now, giving up 76 or more points in each.
These teams last saw each other back on January 10 in a 79-71 home win for the Bears. In that matchup Missouri State shot 47.2 percent from the field with a 36-29 refunding edge. That said, Missouri State got destroyed in the paint 42-20 and had 16 turnovers alongside a tepid 61.3 percent (19-of-31) at the line. The Bears have a lot to work on for the road rematch, but I think they can pull it off if all goes well.