Southern Methodist vs Florida Atlantic Picks and Prediction – 2/23/2024
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In an electrifying clash of American Athletic Conference titans, the SMU Mustangs, boasting a stellar 19-7 overall record and a 10-3 conference mark, are set to face off against the FAU Owls, who hold an impressive 20-6 overall and 10-3 in conference play. This high-stakes matchup promises not just bragging rights but could significantly influence the conference standings. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.
The SMU Mustangs come into this game riding high on a wave of offensive prowess and defensive solidity. Averaging 77.8 points per game with a 46.5% field goal percentage, the Mustangs have a proven ability to score efficiently, ranking 78th and 83rd nationally in these categories, respectively. The Mustangs have also showcased defensive capabilities, allowing just 65.7 points per game, positioning them 33rd nationally, thanks to disciplined defense which limits opponents to a 39.8% shooting from the field.
Key players like Zhuric Phelps, who leads the team with an average of 14.7 points per game, and Samuell Williamson, dominating the boards with 7.6 rebounds per game, have been instrumental in SMU’s success. However, the Mustangs will need to maintain defensive discipline against a high-scoring FAU team.
On the other side, the FAU Owls have been nothing short of spectacular on the offensive end, with an average of 83.4 points per game, which ranks 18th nationally. Shooting efficiency is evident with a 48.1% field goal percentage and a 36.7% success rate from beyond the arc. Johnell Davis has been a standout performer, leading the team with 18.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, underscoring his importance to the Owls' success.
Despite offensive firepower, FAU's defense has shown vulnerabilities, conceding an average of 72.8 points per game. This lack of defensive stops could be where the Mustangs find opportunities, especially if FAU struggles to contain SMU's balanced attack.
Southern Methodist vs Florida Atlantic Prediction
Southern Methodist vs Florida Atlantic Pick Analysis
Betting Trends for Florida Atlantic vs Southern Methodist
Southern Methodist
Florida Atlantic
Our Free NCAA Basketball Pick for Florida Atlantic vs Southern Methodist
SMU Mustangs +5.5
This matchup is poised to be a closely contested affair, with both teams showcasing significant strengths. The SMU Mustangs, with a robust defense and efficient scoring, are slightly favored against the FAU Owls, whose offensive firepower is among the best in the nation. The key battle will be whether SMU's defense can slow down FAU's high-scoring offense. Given SMU's ability to perform under pressure and recent form, the Mustangs are likely to edge out a victory in a game that promises plenty of highlights. Final Score Prediction: SMU Mustangs 78-74.