FIU Golden Panthers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our FIU vs Louisiana Tech NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Ruston.

FIU vs Louisiana Tech Prediction

The Golden Panthers and Bulldogs are set to face off at 7:30 ET on ESPN+. The Bulldogs will host the game at Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, LA. The over/under for this game is set at 139.5 points, and Louisiana Tech is favored by -8.5 vs. FIU in a Conference USA conference matchup.

FIU vs. Louisiana Tech Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: FIU Golden Panthers at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Where: Ruston at Thomas Assembly Center
Date: Thursday, January 9th
Betting Odds LOUTCH -8.5, FLINT +301 | LOUTCH -395 O/U 139.5

Golden Panthers Preview: Does FIU Have A Chance at Thomas Assembly Center?

FIU improved to 5-8 on the season with an 85-66 win over Western Kentucky on Saturday. The Golden Panthers were +4.5 point underdogs but covered the spread with the victory.

FIU took control early, leading 52-29 at halftime. While they allowed 37 points in the 2nd half, they still managed to outscore the Hilltoppers by 4. The game’s total points of 151 fell just short of the 154.5 O/U line.

Golden Panthers Offense Breakdown

FIU's offense put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 46.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 55.2%. They were particularly strong from beyond the arc, hitting 50% of their threes (11/22), and they connected on 80% of their free throws (20/25).

Julius Thedford led the way with 18 points, shooting 58.3% overall. Dashon Gittens added 14 points, hitting 4 of 7 from deep (57.1%), while Asim Jones contributed 17 points and 3 assists. FIU also grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and finished with 16 assists as a team.

Golden Panthers Team Defense

Even with FIU giving up 66 points, their defense couldn't contain the opposition's three-point shooting, as they hit 11 of 22 from deep, good for 50%. Overall, FIU allowed a 46% shooting performance, with the other team going 27/58 from the field.

FIU also sent the other team to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 20 for 80%. On the boards, FIU gave up 13 offensive rebounds.

Bulldogs Preview: Can the Bulldogs Please their Home Crowd?

Louisiana Tech's season record dropped to 8-4 after a 78-48 road loss to New Mexico State on Saturday. Entering the game as 3-point favorites, the Bulldogs not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 126, falling short of the 137.5 O/U line.

Louisiana Tech struggled early, trailing 44-19 at halftime. They managed to score 29 points in the 2nd half while allowing 34, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.

Bulldogs Offense Breakdown

In their last game, Louisiana Tech struggled offensively, scoring just 48 points with a 31.5% field goal percentage, including 21.2% from three-point range (7/33). Their effective field goal percentage was 37%, and they managed 8 offensive rebounds and 9 assists.

Christian Cook led the Bulldogs with 19 points, shooting 63.6% overall and 83.3% from beyond the arc (5/6). Robert Carpenter added 16 points, hitting 75% of his shots, including 3/4 from three-point range.

Bulldogs Team Defense

Louisiana Tech's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 78 points on 55% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to connect on 30 of 54 attempts.

Inside the arc, Louisiana Tech's defense allowed 19 of 31 shots to fall, a 61% rate. They also gave up 11 threes on 23 attempts, a 47% clip.

Golden Panthers vs Bulldogs Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last three games away from home, the Golden Panthers have a straight up record of 2-1 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 73 points per game in these contests.
In their last five games at home, the Bulldogs have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 62 points per game in these contests.
The last three games that FIU was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.
As the betting favorite, the Bulldogs have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 2-1.