SMU vs Florida Atlantic Prediction College Basketball Picks 2/22/24

• Rob Lanier’s team used a shot clock heavy approach, averaging 70.0 possessions per game (222nd), and they’ve knocked down 34.9%% of their three-point shots (45th). 
• Junior guard Zhuric Phelps has scored 16 points or more in three of the last four games, and he leads SMU in scoring (14.7).  
• Butler transfer Chuck Harris led the way with 25 points in the road win over Tulane, and he’s up to 13.4 ppg and a team-leading 3.6 apg.  
• Senior forward Samuel Williamson grabbed 12 boards in the North Texas victory, and he leads the Mustangs in rebounding (7.6), while scoring 9.3 ppg. 

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Florida Atlantic Owls Preview

Florida Atlantic comes in at 20-6 after losing to South Florida in Tampa by four, 90-86. The Owls had their second half rally cut short by USF, and they’ll look to respond swiftly here against SMU. FAU is scoring 83.4 points per game, on 48.1% shooting, while allowing 66.5 ppg, and they’re currently second in the AAC with a 8-1 record in conference play. The Owls are 8-2 over their last ten games, and they’ve gone 10-1 in Boca Raton this season. 

FAU Team Profile

• Dusty May’s group will look to mix things up offensively, averaging 71.8? possessions per game (156th), and they’re connected on 36.7% of their shots from the outside (45th).
• Tournament hero Johnell Davis has hit the 20-point mark in three of the last six games, and he leads Florida Atlantic in scoring (18.6), while grabbing 6.7 rpg.
• Veteran center Vladislav Goldin went for a team-high 23 points in the loss to USF, and he leads FAU in rebounding (6.5), while scoring 14.4 ppg. 
• Junior guard Alijah Martin has scored 16 points or more in three of the last five games,  and he’s third on the team at 13.4 ppg and 5.5 rpg. 

Southern Methodist vs Florida Atlantic Trends

• SMU is 14-10-1 against the spread, with a 12-13 O/U record
• FAU is 12-14 ATS, with a 14-12 over/under record.

SMU vs FAU Prediction

SMU will come into this matchup streaking, but they might find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time this Thursday in Boca Raton, as they’ll be facing a FAU team looking to bounce back. The Owls fell victim to a hostile environment in Tampa versus USF, and they’ll now return home with responding in mind. The Mustangs have been impressive in their own right, so while they won’t be an easy out, this is a good spot to trust the hosts to avoid back-to-back losses. Back Florida Atlantic for this AAC matchup.