Florida Atlantic vs. Western Kentucky Odds
| Florida Atlantic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 141.5 -106o / -114u | -192 |
| Western Kentucky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 141.5 -106o / -114u | +158 |
The Florida Atlantic Owls will look to extend the nation's second longest winning streak on Monday night. FAU remains undefeated in Conference USA play after holding off North Texas on Saturday, beating the Mean Green for the second time this season.
Western Kentucky has surged after starting 0-3 in conference play, making its way back to .500 with wins over UTSA, UAB and FIU.
The Owls have been on another level this season, but E.A. Diddle Arena has historically been a tough place for the Owls. FAU is 7-17 against the Hilltoppers, and just 3-9 on the road.
How will things shake out this time? Let's look at the odds and make a betting prediction.
Florida Atlantic Owls
No one has been better than the Owls when it comes to limiting turnovers in conference play. Florida Atlantic gives up the ball on just 16.8% of its possessions.
And while the Owls haven't been particularly great from 3-point range — shooting just 32.9% — they are taking more 3's than anyone else in the conference. That could bode well against a WKU defense allowing teams to shoot 37.3%.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Owls will give WKU one of its toughest tests of the season at the rim. Florida Atlantic is tops in Conference USA when it comes to defending shots at the rim, holding teams to just 50% shooting. If Dayvion Mcknight can't drive to the basket and cash in at a consistent rate, it could very easily cost the Hilltoppers this game.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
With Rick Stansbury out due to health concerns, interim head coach Phil Cunningham and the Hilltoppers have stepped up in a big way. In their most recent game against FIU, four different Hilltoppers scored in double figures. However, WKU was without Emmanuel Akot, who missed the game with a head injury. If he's still out against FAU, that could be a major problem.
Akot has averaged 11.3 points and 2.8 assist per game. Khristian Lander stepped up in a big way against FIU, but the Owls are a much tougher test.
Since conference play began, the Hilltoppers offense has taken a bit of dip and ranks just eighth in the conference in effective field goal percentage. Western Kentucky has also been much less effective from 3-point range, shooting just 36.7%, compared to 39.7% in non-conference play. But that could change against an FAU team allowing conference opponents to cash in on 39.6% 3-point attempts.
On defense, WKU has surprisingly struggled off the glass, ranking ninth in the conference when it comes to offensive rebound percentage and offensive rebound percentage allowed. That could cost the Hilltoppers severely as the Owls are averaging 12 second-chance points per game.
Florida Atlantic vs. Western Kentucky Betting Pick
Western Kentucky has historically been great at home, but this season has been a different story. I think what we've seen recently will continue against an Owls team that seems to have everything going its way as of late.
Florida Atlantic's defense should be able make an impact against an already struggling Western Kentucky offense and come away with the win in a hostile road environment.
Back the Owls as high as a 5-point favorite over the Hilltoppers.
Pick: Florida Atlantic -5 or Better |
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