Wichita State vs Florida Atlantic Prediction 1/15/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Florida Atlantic Owls and the Wichita State Shockers will meet on Thursday night in an AAC matchup at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena in Boca Raton, Florida.

Wichita State Shockers Betting Preview

The Wichita State Shockers enter Thursday evening’s contest with a 10–7 win-loss record, including a 2-2 mark in conference play and a 2–2 record on the road. Wichita State has compiled wins over teams such as UAB, Eastern Kentucky, Wofford and the Northern Iowa Panthers, while dropping games to Charlotte, Rice and the DePaul Blue Demons. Earlier this month, in Wichita State’s 66–64 loss to the Rice Owls, Wichita State guard Michael Gray Jr. tallied 25 points (5 of 12 shooting from the field), 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal illustrating his ability to anchor the Shockers backcourt.

The Wichita State Shockers average 77.2 points on 44.1 percent shooting from the field and 35.6 percent shooting from the three-point line per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Shockers are allowing opponents 68.9 points per contest which ranks 53rd in the country.

Senior guard Kenyon Giles has been a solid performer for the Wichita State Shockers in 2025 averaging 18.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Senior forward Karon Boyd provides the Shockers with a strong interior presence averaging 10.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.7 blocks per contest.

Florida Atlantic Owls Betting Preview

The Florida Atlantic Owls enter Thursday’s contest with a 11–6 record, including a 3-1 mark in conference play and a rather impressive 7–1 record at home. The Owls have compiled wins over Albany, Saint Louis and the Loyola Marymount Lions, while dropping games to Tulane, UCF and Saint Mary’s. In the Florida Atlantic Owls 88–75 loss to Saint Mary’s last month, Florida Atlantic guard Isaiah Elohim tallied 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals showcasing his ability to lead this Florida Atlantic team.

The Florida Atlantic Owls average 81 points on 46.5 percent shooting from the field and 35.2 percent shooting from behind the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Owls are allowing opponents 75.1 points per contest.

Sophomore guard Darin Vanterpool leads the Florida Atlantic Owls averaging 16.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals on 46.9 percent shooting from the field per game. Junior guard Kanaan Carlyle averages 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Sophomore forward Devin Williams adds 7.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.8 blocks per game giving the Owls a strong defensive anchor in the frontcourt.

Why the Wichita State Shockers will win

•             Ability to win on the road. The Wichita State Shockers are 2-2 on the road this season.

•             Quality guard play. Senior guard Kenyon Giles has been a standout performer for Wichita State in 2025 averaging 18.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. 

•             Defensive edge. The Shockers are allowing opponents 68.9 points per contest which ranks 53rd in the nation.

Why the Florida Atlantic Owls will win

•             Backcourt play. Sophomore guard Darin Vanterpool leads the Florida Atlantic Owls averaging 16.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals on 46.9 percent shooting from the field per game.

•             Offensive edge. The Florida Atlantic Owls average 81 points per game. Conversely, the Wichita State Shockers are averaging 77.2 points per contest.

•             Home court edge. The Florida Atlantic Owls are 7-1 at home this season.

Wichita State vs. Florida Atlantic Prediction

This matchup features Florida Atlantic’s explosive offense and home court edge against a Wichita State team that has found its offensive rhythm behind Kenyon Giles recent scoring surge. Which is the better side? For me, the clear side to be on in this game is the Florida Atlantic Owls. I am backing the Owls to cover the 5.5 points.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Florida Atlantic -5.5