Julian Mackey scored 22 points to lead Florida International
Corey Stephenson hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 4 seconds left
Florida International improved to 13-14 overall and 6-10 in Conference USA
Kobi Williams scored 25 points for Missouri State in the losing effort
📖 Full Retelling
Julian Mackey and Corey Stephenson led the Florida International Panthers to a 70-67 victory over the Missouri State Bears in Miami on Saturday, February 21, 2026, securing an important Conference USA win. Mackey scored a game-high 22 points while Stephenson delivered the decisive blow with a go-ahead 3-pointer with just four seconds remaining on the clock. The Panthers improved to 13-14 overall and 6-10 in Conference USA with this hard-fought victory. Mackey shot 8 of 16 from the field, including 2 for 7 from beyond the arc, while converting 4 of 6 free throws. Stephenson contributed 17 points and six rebounds to the effort, while Larry Olayinka added 13 points and eight rebounds. For Missouri State, Kobi Williams scored 25 points with three steals, and Trey Williams Jr. contributed 12 points. The Panthers led 29-22 at halftime, with Olayinka accounting for eight points in the first half. Mackey took over in the second half, scoring 16 of his points after the break to help secure the win.
🏷️ Themes
College Basketball, Conference USA, Sports Competition
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university with its main campus in Westchester, Florida, United States. Founded in 1965 by the Florida Legislature, the school opened to students in 1972. FIU is the third-largest university in Florida and the eighth-largest public universi...
Missouri State University (MSU or MO State), formerly Southwest Missouri State University, is a public university in Springfield, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School, it is the state's second-largest university by enrollment, with an enrollment of 23,418 in ...
Conference USA (CUSA) is a collegiate athletic conference of member institutions in the Southern and Western United States. The conference participates in the NCAA's Division I in all sports, with football competing in the top-level Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). CUSA's offices are located in Dall...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The narrow victory keeps FIU in the hunt for a conference title and showcases the team's resilience. It also highlights Corey Stephenson's clutch shooting ability, which could be pivotal in upcoming games.
Context & Background
FIU finished the season 13-14 overall and 6-10 in Conference USA play.
Julian Mackey scored 22 points and Corey Stephenson hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with four seconds left.
Missouri State Trey Williams Jr. missed a tying 3-pointer at the buzzer.
What Happens Next
FIU will face its next conference opponent in the coming week, where the team will aim to build on this momentum. Missouri State will look to rebound in its upcoming games and prepare for the conference tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score?
FIU won 70-67 over Missouri State.
Who hit the go-ahead 3-pointer?
Corey Stephenson hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with four seconds remaining.
Original Source
Mackey, Stephenson lead Florida International past Missouri State, 70-67 Julian Mackey scored 22 points to lead the Florida International Panthers and Corey Stephenson knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer with four seconds remaining as the Panthers knocked off the Missouri State Bears 70-67 By The Associated Press February 21, 2026, 5:59 PM MIAMI -- Julian Mackey led Florida International with 22 points and Corey Stephenson made the go-ahead3-pointer with four seconds left as the Panthers knocked off Missouri State 70-67 on Saturday. Mackey shot 8 of 16 from the field, including 2 for 7 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 6 from the free-throw line for the Panthers (13-14, 6-10 Conference USA). Stephenson scored 17 points and added six rebounds. Larry Olayinka shot 5 of 7 from the field and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points, while adding eight rebounds. Kobi Williams finished with 25 points and three steals for the Bears (13-14, 7-9). Missouri State also got 12 points from Trey Williams Jr. Zaxton King finished with nine points. Williams missed a potential tying 3-pointer at the buzzer. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says 1 hour ago Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released after arrest on suspicion of misconduct Feb 19, 4:23 PM Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continues Feb 10, 11:15 PM Olayinka put up eight points in the first half for Florida International, who led 29-22 at halftime. Mackey led Florida International with 16 points in the second half. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . Sponsored Content by Taboola Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says 1 hour ago Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continues Feb 10, 11:15 PM Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released after arrest on suspicion...
