Florida and Houston just finished a massive clash, and if you're checking your phone every five seconds to find out what's the score of the Florida Houston game, I’ve got the full breakdown for you right here. These two programs always seem to find themselves in high-stakes situations lately, especially after that wild 2025 National Championship game that's still fresh in everyone's mind.
The game today between Sam Houston and Florida International (FIU) lived up to the hype, though it was a total grind from start to finish. If you were expecting a high-flying offensive explosion, you probably felt a bit of whiplash. This was old-school basketball—physical, messy, and decided by who could actually sink a free throw when the lights were brightest.
Breaking Down the Numbers: What’s the score of the Florida Houston game?
The final whistle just blew at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami, and the score settled at Sam Houston 82, Florida International 79.
Honestly, it was a heartbreaker for the Panthers. FIU came into this one desperate to snap a three-game losing streak. They played like a team with their backs against the wall, but Sam Houston’s rebounding—which is basically their superpower this season—proved to be too much. The Bearkats pulled down 14 offensive boards, and in a three-point game, those second-chance points are the whole story.
Key Stats from the Matchup
- Sam Houston State: 82 points
- Florida International: 79 points
- Leading Scorer: Zawdie Jackson (FIU) with 26 points
- Top Rebounder: Veljko Ilic (Sam Houston) with 11 boards
It’s kind of wild because FIU actually shot better from the floor. They were hitting nearly 50% of their looks in the first half. But you can't give up that many possessions to a team like Sam Houston and expect to walk away with a "W." The Bearkats just kept chipping away, and by the time we hit the four-minute mark in the second half, the momentum had completely shifted.
💡 You might also like: Juan Carlos Gabriel de Anda: Why the Controversial Sportscaster Still Matters
Why This Specific Matchup Matters Right Now
You might be asking why everyone is so obsessed with finding out what's the score of the Florida Houston game today. Aside from the CUSA conference standings, there’s a bit of a "Florida vs. Houston" fever in the air.
Just about nine months ago, the University of Florida (the Gators) faced off against the University of Houston (the Cougars) in the NCAA National Championship. That game ended in a 65-63 victory for Florida. It was one of those "where were you when it happened" moments. Because of that historic win, any time a team from Florida plays a team from Houston, the betting markets and social media go absolutely nuts.
Today’s game between the Sam Houston Bearkats and FIU Panthers wasn't for a national title, but for the fans in Miami and Huntsville, it felt just as heavy. FIU is struggling to stay relevant in the conference race, while Sam Houston is trying to prove they belong at the top of the pack.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was all about Zawdie Jackson. He was basically a human torch, hitting step-back threes and driving into the lane with zero fear. FIU went into the locker room up by six, and the home crowd was sensing an upset.
📖 Related: Ja Morant Height: Why the NBA Star Looks Bigger Than He Actually Is
But then the second half started.
Sam Houston’s coach clearly told his guys to stop settling for jumpers. They started feeding Veljko Ilic inside, and the game turned into a slugfest. FIU’s bigs got into foul trouble early, which forced them to play a smaller lineup. That was the opening Sam Houston needed. They dominated the paint, outscoring FIU 40-28 in the "dirty areas" near the rim.
The final minute was pure chaos. FIU had a chance to tie it with a corner three from Eric Dibami, but the ball rattled in and out. Sam Houston sank their free throws, and that was that.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Both Teams
If you were looking for what's the score of the Florida Houston game to see how it affects the bracket, here is the reality. Sam Houston moves to 11-7 on the year. They are looking like a dangerous out in the conference tournament.
👉 See also: Hulk Hogan Lifting Andre the Giant: What Really Happened at WrestleMania III
For FIU, it’s a tough pill to swallow. They’ve now lost four in a row. They have the talent—Jackson is a legitimate star—but they can’t seem to close out games against physical opponents. They need to figure out their interior defense, and they need to do it yesterday.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're following these teams closely, here is what you should keep an eye on over the next week:
- Check the Injury Report: FIU had a couple of players limping off late in the second half. If they lose depth, this losing streak could get ugly.
- Watch the Rebound Margin: For Sam Houston's next game, look at the over/under on rebounds. They are top 10 in the country for a reason.
- Monitor the CUSA Standings: This win puts Sam Houston in a prime spot for a top-four seed, which is huge for getting a bye in the tournament.
- Rewatch the Highlights: If you missed the last two minutes, find them on ESPN+. The defensive intensity from Sam Houston in the closing seconds was a masterclass in "clamped" defense.
The drama between Florida and Houston programs isn't slowing down anytime soon. Whether it's the Gators and Cougars at the top of the rankings or the Panthers and Bearkats fighting for conference respect, these games are always worth the price of admission.