The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights will face the Florida Atlantic Owls on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. #16 seed Farleigh Dickinson (21-15) became just the second #16 seed in the tournament history to knock off a #1 seed. FDU knocked off Purdue 63-58 in one of the biggest upsets we’ve ever seen in March Madness. Now, they’ll look to keep their Cinderella run going against #9 seeded FAU (32-3), who defeated #8 Memphis via a Nicholas Boyd floater with 2.5 seconds on the clock, securing the 66-65 victory. Now, we’ll see if FDU can become the first #16 seed ever to reach the Sweet Sixteen.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
| FAU | -15.5 (-110) | Over 145 (-110) | -1100 |
| Farleigh Dickinson | +15.5 (-110) | Under 145 (-110) | +700 |
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Match Details
Fixture: Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
Date & Time: Sunday, March 19, 7:45 p.m. EDT
Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Key Stats
FAU has one of the most efficient and effective offenses in the country. The Owls score 113.4 points per 100 possessions, and they shoot 47.2% from the field and 37.8% from three. Of course, since they compete in a weaker conference (Conference USA), they are able to enjoy better shooting percentages, but that’s not take anything away from a very talented squad. Guards Johnell Davis (13.5 PPG) and Alijah Martin (13.1 PPG) are the Owls’ leading scorers, but they shot a combined 7-for-25 from the field in the win over Memphis. As a team, FAU struggled offensively, but their defense, as it’s done all year, stepped up. Tonight, they know everyone will be rooting for Farleigh Dickinson, so they’ll need to stay composed and play to their strengths.
FDU is riding high right now, and what has really stood out is their defense over the past few weeks, which was not at all a strength for the Knights this season. They held Purdue, one of the best teams in the country, to 35.8% from the field and 58 points. Now, over their last five, FDU has held teams to about 40% shooting. On offense, the Knights have four players scoring in double-digits, highlighted by senior Demetre Roberts, who averages a team-high 16.5 points and 4.3 assists. Although he stands at just 5’8″, Roberts makes up for that with heart, as the whole team does. Where FDU really stands out is their ability to force turnovers, as opponents commit 15.6 TOs per game against the Knights. Tonight, the Knights will need to put a lot of pressure on FAU’s ball handlers to make history.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Betting Prediction
FAU has now won eight straight, and they open up as huge favorites against FDU, who, on paper, are the weakest team left in the field by far. The Owls have also covered six of their past eight, but FDU has covered four straight, very comfortably. The Owls, if they don’t make mistakes and turn the ball over, should win this game easily, but anything can happen in March, and FDU should at least hang with the Owls to cover here. It’s extremely improbable that the Knights actually win, but we can’t rule them out after seeing them prevail over Purdue.
Prediction: Farleigh Dickinson +15.5 (-110)
Lucas Abrenica’s NCAA Basketball ATS & ML picks this season are 91-75-3 (+79.7 units)
