Fresh off a monster upset of 14th-ranked Memphis, the Wichita State Shockers look to make it five straight when they visit the Florida Atlantic Owls.
FAU is riding its own 5-game win streak, and are 7.5-point home favorites. However, our Wichita State vs FAU prediction has an improved Shockers’ defense keeping them close enough in this one to cover.
I explain why the underdog is catching my eye in my college basketball picks for this 9 p.m. ET tip on Thursday, February 20, from Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic prediction
My best bet
Wichita State +7.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Wichita State Shockers had just one win in eight conference games before going on this run, which has now hit four straight wins after an 84-79 OT win over the Memphis Tigers.
Defense has been the secret to their recent success, allowing just 67.8 points per game over the streak, a full five points down from their season average of 73.2.
Against Memphis, they held the American Athletic Conference shooting leaders to just 36% from the field.
Offensively, the Shockers are in the middle of the pack in the AAC, averaging 74.7 points per game on 45% shooting from the field. Their 3-point percentage, though, is the worst in the conference, hitting at a lowly 30.1% clip.
They’re going to need both sides of the ball to come through against the Florida Atlantic Owls, who are second in the conference in scoring at 81.4 points per contest.
The Owls love to get up and down the floor, ranking 57th in KenPom’s adjusted tempo, and 57th in offensive efficiency.
FAU is coming off a close 83-81 win over the Temple Owls. That’s been the only close call during its current five-game winning streak, with the four other wins coming by double digits, and the Owls averaging 87.4 points per game.
Florida Atlantic is currently fifth in the AAC at 8-4, but it has some heavies on the schedule with Memphis, North Texas, and UAB on tap, all teams ahead of the Owls in the standings.
These schools have only met twice, both last year, and FAU won each time, first grabbing an 86-77 victory on January 18 followed by a 95-82 OT win on February 11.
FAU may have other big AAC matchups on its mind while catching Wichita State playing its best basketball of the season.
The Owls should win, but the points are tasty and tough to pass up.
Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic same-game parlay (SGP)
Wichita State +7.5
Xavier Bell Under 15.5 points
Tre Carroll Over 5.5 rebounds
Xavier Bell is Wichita State’s leading scorer at 14.5 points per game, but his 15.5 points line for Thursday seems a little high considering his recent body of work.
The senior guard is coming off a 12-point effort against Memphis on 2-for-8 shooting, after going 3-for-13 for 12 points against UTSA. He’s gone Under the total three times in the last four.
Bell also scored just six points on the road at FAU last season. He’ll likely be in double digits, just not as high as his line.
We’ll finish with FAU forward Tre Carroll, who's been hitting the glass hard and has a reasonable 5.5 rebounding line against the Shockers.
Carroll has grabbed at least six rebounds in nine of his last 10 games, helping the Owls to fifth in rebounding in the conference. He will hold his own on the glass against the Shockers, the AAC’s second-ranked rebounding team.
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Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic AI prediction
Considering Florida Atlantic's recent strong performances and home-court advantage, they are favored to win. However, Wichita State's recent form suggests they will keep the game competitive. Therefore, betting on Florida Atlantic to cover the spread and the game to go Over 153.5 points could be favorable.
Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic score prediction
Florida Atlantic 81, Wichita State 72
I’m expecting Florida Atlantic to come out on top with a solid margin, while the game should still see plenty of offense.
Analysis and score prediction courtesy of ChatGPT.
Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic odds
Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic live odds
Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic opening odds
- Spread: Wichita State +7.5 (-110) | Florida Atlantic -7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Wichita State +260 | Florida Atlantic -320
- Over/Under: Over 153.5 (-110) | Under 153.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic betting trend to know
Florida Atlantic has won 38 of its last 41 home games against non-ranked opponents. Find more college basketball betting trends for Wichita State vs. Florida Atlantic.
How to watch Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic
| Location | Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, Boca Raton, FL |
| Date | Thursday, 2-20-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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