The Florida Atlantic Owls continue to soar at the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, flying into the Elite Eight after upsetting Tennessee on Thursday. The Owls’ quick-tempo offense was able to get by Tennessee’s grinding defense, and their next challenge will come from the Kansas State Wildcats. Behind a tournament-record 19 assists by Markquis Nowell, the Wildcats were able to stop Michigan State in overtime, 98-93. Nowell also had 20 points and five steals, and he overcame an ankle sprain during the second half as well. The game featured 14 ties and 16 lead changes, but now the Wildcats have to turn right around and contend with an Owls team that has proven extremely difficult to stop in this tournament. We have your March Madness betting preview right here.
NCAA Preview: Florida Atlantic Owls vs Kansas State Wildcats
- When: Saturday, March 25, 2023, 6:09 pm ET
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- TV: CBS
- Radio: ESPN Radio
- Live Stream: Sling TV
- NCAA Odds: Kansas State -2.5 / FAU +115 / Kansas State -140 / O/U 144.5
Why should you bet on the Owls?
The Owls bring a high-octane offense with them, as they average 79.3 points per game this season, shooting 47.2% overall from the floor. They permitted just 65.7 points per game on 41.1% shooting. Johnell Davis has been their top scorer with 13.9 points per game, just ahead of Alijah Martin (13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds per game). From distance, the Owls have made 37.8% of their shots on the season, and they allow 33.3% three-point shooting.
Florida Atlantic has covered in seven of their last 10 games overall; interestingly, the under has hit in five of the Owls’ last six games, with the exception coming against Tennessee in the second round. If you like the Owls, you like their offensive momentum to continue even though the Kansas State backcourt specializes in timely steals.
Why should you put your money on the Wildcats?
Kansas State scored 75.8 points per game this season, making 45.4% of their shots overall. They permitted 42% overall shooting and 68.7 points per game. Florida transfer Keyonate Johnson has put up 17.5 points and 2.2 assists per game, and Nowell has averaged 17.1 points and 3.5 boards. From distance, the Wildcats shot 34.5% from the season, and they limit opponents to 29.5% shooting from three-point land.
Kansas State has covered in seven of their last nine games overall, and in five of their last seven games played on a neutral floor (which basically covers the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA tournament so far). The over has paid in five of the Wildcats’ six games, including the overtime win over Michigan State. While the Wildcats play solid defense, the pace of their games tends to push point totals high, and with the Owls as their opponent, I expect that to continue in this game.
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Final Score and Prediction
Florida Atlantic definitely qualifies as a Cinderella story this year, and they have taken advantage of teams that are not ready for their attack. By this time, the Wildcats have plenty of film in the Owls, and making it to the Elite Eight means that there are no slouches left in the bracket. The Owls will deliver a challenge, but Kansas State will win, 82-79.
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