Preview: Western Kentucky at Florida International

WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Western Kentucky team looks to solidify its position in the Conference USA standings when it visits a Florida International squad seeking to halt a late-season slide on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The Hilltoppers (18-11, 12-4 C-USA) enter the Ocean Bank Convocation Center on a five-game winning streak, their offense firing on all cylinders. In their last outing, a 97-65 rout of UTEP on Feb. 28, Western Kentucky had three players score at least 21 points, led by Teagan Moore’s 24.

Moore, a sophomore guard, has been the catalyst during the streak, averaging 24.6 points per game over the last five contests. His scoring outburst includes a 28-point performance in an 82-80 win over Middle Tennessee on Feb. 14 and 27 points in an overtime victory at Delaware on Feb. 18.

Florida International (14-16, 7-9) aims to rebound from a 73-67 home loss to Middle Tennessee on Thursday. The Golden Panthers’ season has been marked by inconsistency, alternating wins and losses in their last seven games.

Guard Corey Stephenson has been a bright spot for FIU, averaging 17.1 points over his last seven games. He scored 21 points in a road win at Louisiana Tech on Feb. 28 and had 23 in an overtime loss at Liberty on Feb. 19. In the first meeting against Western Kentucky this season, a 80-70 road loss on Feb. 7, Stephenson contributed 14 points and five rebounds.

The Hilltoppers won that February matchup comfortably, leading by as many as 18 points in the second half. Western Kentucky has dominated the recent series, winning the last four meetings.

For Western Kentucky, a victory would enhance its seeding for the upcoming Conference USA tournament, where it currently sits in second place. Florida International, near the bottom of the league standings, is playing for pride and momentum heading into the postseason.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.