Conference USA has some very good teams at the top of the standings, but the Florida International Panthers (13-16 SU; 13-14 ATS) and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (13-16 SU; 13-13 ATS) aren't among that list. Those two teams do meet on Louisiana Tech's campus on Thursday night though, and with identical W/L records, this could end up being a highly entertaining and close contest.
The most recent defeat during this current four-game losing streak the Panthers are on was a 95-91 home loss to UTSA last time out. FIU actually had the better shooting percentage from the floor (52%), were 61% from three in going 11-for-18 and made 22 free throws as well. But 20 turnovers and seeing UTSA make three more free throws and jack up 10 more shot attempts proved volume was the difference, as FIU really should have won that game considering they closed as -7.5 home chalk.
Clutch free throws from P … 91-91 here late ?? pic.twitter.com/8m790aOoSt
— FIU Men's Basketball (@FIUHoops) February 26, 2023
Interest in the season is likely waning in that FIU locker room, as they've now only got one win in their last six games. The good news there is that win did come against this Louisiana Tech team back in early February when FIU was able to survive seeing Louisiana Tech put up 63 shots – 14 more than FIU – thanks to holding the Bulldogs to 37% shooting from the floor and forcing 22 turnovers. It's not great by any means, but defense is the strength of this Panthers team as they have a much better ranking in KenPom's AdjD (198th) compared to AdjO (246th), and they'll need at least some sustained effort there should they want a chance in this contest.
Series history suggests that FIU will be just fine regardless though, as they've covered seven straight meetings with Louisiana Tech, going 4-3 SU in the process.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!