Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Odds, Picks and Predictions: Owls Grind Out Low-Scoring Win

The Florida Atlantic Owls' 11-game home winning streak is at stake when they host the Memphis Tigers on Saturday.

The college basketball odds have the Owls as a considerable favorite at home, but Memphis enters Saturday’s tilt riding a four-game winning streak and a four-point home victory over this same FAU program on February 25.

Can Memphis end the nation's 19th-longest home winning streak? Join me as I look closer at this AAC matchup with free college basketball picks for Memphis and FAU on Saturday, March 9.

Memphis vs Florida Atlantic best odds

Memphis vs Florida Atlantic picks and predictions

While both programs failed to win the AAC regular season title, the Memphis Tigers and FAU Owls have plenty to play for on Saturday afternoon.

A Memphis upset victory would end a solid home winning streak and give the Tigers a season sweep over the Owls. That would also give Memphis the most away victories in a dozen years, their third consecutive season with 12 conference wins, and a possible double-bye as one of the top four seeds at next week's conference tourney.  

Florida Atlantic also has much to play for. They are currently the AAC tournament's second seed, but a loss to the Tigers not only ends its home winning streak end, but they could fall to a third seed in next week’s tourney with a loss on Saturday.

Their last meeting was strange; the two programs scored 152 points but shot just 12-55 from downtown. FAU was the better shooting team. They edged Memphis on the glass but committed 13 turnovers the Tigers turned into 18 points, and the Owls lost by four points at Memphis.

Memphis committed only six turnovers against FAU–that’s huge because they usually commit nearly 14 per tilt. The Owls only scored just five points from turnovers, where they normally average almost 15 points per game from opponents' miscues.

FAU knows it lost that game to Memphis and why it lost to the Tigers. They defended the triple extremely well at Memphis and have defended it all year. The Owls lost their last matchup with Memphis because the Tigers were near perfect with the ball, but Memphis won’t have that same success, and that’s why this game will end Under the number. 

Finally, neither defense is very good, but FAU defends the triple at a high rate and forces almost 13 miscues per night. The Tigers are a turnover machine, and FAU will attack Memphis, resulting in miscues. Malcolm Dandridge has been out since February 21, but this away contest is one where Memphis will miss his scoring and rebounding. The longer Owls will keep the Tigers off the offensive glass, close out their shooters, and this game ends Under the number.

My best bet: Under 162.5 (-110 at DraftKings)

Memphis vs Florida Atlantic same-game parlay

Under 162.5

FAU -6.5

+246 at DraftKings

This two-leg same-game parlay card pays $246 for a $100 wager, with the best bet being the foundation of our SGP.

I fully expect a veteran-laden team like FAU to defend its winning streak. Although they didn’t win the conference as they had hoped, ending the season by riding a dozen home wins is a nice consolation prize. The Owls are 6-7-0 ATS at home and that will be good enough against a Memphis program with a 5-7-0 ATS record in the visitors' jerseys. 

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Memphis vs Florida Atlantic spread and Over/Under analysis

Saturday’s noon start is an excellent way to start our day of college basketball action. FAU opening -6.5 (-110) and holding there across the board is why laying the points isn’t my best bet.

That is a lot for a team that covered the spread at home less than 50% of the time. But maybe Dandridge ruled out is partially responsible for the high number, or the oddsmakers and public fully understand FAU laid a stinker in their February 25 meeting. 

Typically, a bad number is bet immediately, and the spread hasn’t budged, and if it does move at all, it won’t likely move much either way.

FanDuel opened the Under 160.5 (-115), which hasn’t moved. I was set to play the Under 160.5, but then DraftKings opened 162.5 (-110), and happily grabbed it for all the reasons described in my best bet.

Memphis vs Florida Atlantic betting trend to know

The Under is 4-1 in Owls last five home games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic.

Memphis vs Florida Atlantic game info

Memphis vs Florida Atlantic key injuries

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