UTEP vs FIU Prediction 1/4/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a UTEP vs FIU prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, January 4th at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

UTEP Miners Betting Preview

The UTEP Miners are 4-9 (0-2) this year after they lost to Missouri State by a score of 79-55 in their last game. UTEP trailed 49-23 at halftime, but they did win the second half 32-30 in the loss. The Miners shot 40% from the field, 27% on three pointers, and 65% on free throws in the game. Elijah Jones led UTEP with 12 points and five rebounds, while Trey Horton III added 12 points and three rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, UTEP lost to Louisiana Tech by a score of 75-63, but did beat North Dakota State by a score of 76-66 before that. The Miners have scored 70.3 points per game with 32.8 rebounds and 12.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 72.1 points against per game this season. Elijah Jones is averaging 14.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Jamal West Jr is averaging 12.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Miners. UTEP is shooting 43.9% from the field, 65.5% on free throws, and 30.6% on three pointers this year. 

FIU Panthers Betting Preview

The FIU Panthers are 8-5 (1-1) this season after they defeated New Mexico State by a score of 89-74 in their last game. FIU led 44-39 at halftime and added 45 points in the second half in the win. The Panthers shot 53% from the field, 44% on three pointers, and 73% on free throws in the game. Corey Stephenson led FIU with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Eric Dibami added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, FIU lost to Liberty by a score of 97-94, but did beat a non-D1 team by a score of 121-70 before that. The Panthers have scored 88.2 points per game with 40.3 rebounds and 18.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 79.2 points against per game this season. Corey Stephenson is averaging 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while Julian Mackey is averaging 12.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Panthers. FIU is shooting 47.3% from the field, 67.8% on free throws, and 36.9% on three pointers this season. 

Why the Florida International Panthers will win

• UTEP has lost 10 of its last 11 games against the Conference USA.
• Florida International has won six of its last seven home games.
• Florida International has won the first half in eight of its last 10 home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the UTEP Miners will win

• Florida International has lost eight of its last nine day games against the Conference USA.
• UTEP has won each of its last three games against Florida International.
• UTEP has won the first half in each of its last three road games against Florida International.

Total Points Facts

• Each of UTEP’s last nine day games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
• Each of Florida International’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 153+ points.

UTEP vs FIU Prediction 

FIU comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games, with the one loss coming in overtime. The Panthers are shooting 47% from the field and they have scored at least 86 points in four straight games. UTEP has lost four of their last five games and they have scored 63 points or fewer in three of their last five. The Miners are shooting 44% from the field and they have allowed 79 and 75 in their last two games. I like how FIU has played over the last few weeks and I think they can cover this number at home.

David Racey's Pick: FIU -8.5