Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Florida International Golden Panthers Picks and Predictions January 7th 2026

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Florida International Golden Panthers vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview

Florida International heads to Alabama on Wednesday night carrying a 9-5 record and one of the more efficient offenses in the mid-major landscape. The Golden Panthers are coming off a controlled 76-64 win over UTEP and continue to score at a pace that forces opponents out of comfort zones. You can follow late line shifts on the NCAA basketball odds page.

Jacksonville State enters at 7-7 and remains competitive at home, posting a 5-3 record at Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Gamecocks lean on rebounding and half-court execution, which keeps games close even when the offense stalls.

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Line Movement and Odds

Jacksonville State opened as a short home favorite and currently sits at −1.5, with Florida International catching points on the road. The total is posted at 149.5, one of the higher numbers on the slate due to FIU’s scoring profile. For matchup context across the board, reference the college basketball previews page.

Early action shows balance on the side, while totals bettors continue to weigh pace versus efficiency.

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Matchup Breakdown

Florida International’s advantage is offense. The Golden Panthers average 87.3 points per game, ranking inside the top 35 nationally. They shoot 47.6 percent from the field and rebound at a strong clip, which limits empty possessions. Corey Stephenson drives the scoring at 18.1 points per game, while Eric Dibami provides interior balance and double-digit rebounding.

Jacksonville State relies on physical play and rebounding margin. Emondrek Erkins-Ford and AC Bryant combined for 46 points in the loss to Liberty, showing scoring upside when shots fall. The Gamecocks average nearly 40 rebounds per game and need that edge to offset Florida International’s efficiency.

For supporting angles and trend-based insights, see the free college basketball picks section.

Injuries and Conditions

Florida International

No significant rotation injuries reported.
Full details: Florida International team page

Jacksonville State

No major injuries impacting the core rotation.
Full details: Jacksonville State team page

Indoor setting keeps this matchup focused on pace, shot quality, and rebounding.

Best Bets and Prediction

Florida International’s scoring profile gives them the edge in a short-number road spot. Jacksonville State’s rebounding keeps them competitive, but the Panthers’ efficiency should tilt the final possessions.

Projected Score: Florida International 78, Jacksonville State 74
Best Bet: Florida International +1.5
Secondary Lean: Over 149.5 due to combined scoring averages

For pace-based betting strategy and total angles, consult the Bettors Handbook.

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