Two exceptional Group of Five schools will square off when No. 8 Memphis faces No. 9 Florida Atlantic in the East Region first round in Columbus, Ohio on Friday.
The Tigers, who knocked off short-handed but No. 1 Houston by 10 in the AAC Championship Game, are 26-8 and ranked No. 19 in the country, according to KenPom.com. Coached by former Memphis college star Anfernee Hardaway, the Tigers are 9-2 in their past 11, with only losses to the Cougars in that span.
The Owls will enter the tournament as one of the nation’s hottest teams, with seven straight victories including a 22-point win over UAB in the Conference USA Tournament Final. FAU’s resume features a 20-game win streak earlier this season and a 2-1 record in Quad 1 games, headlined by a road victory at Florida on Nov. 14.
Here’s a look at the best bets for Memphis vs Florida Atlantic
Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Odds
Note: CBB odds mentioned in this article for Memphis vs Florida Atlantic were used from DraftKings Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted, and are current as of 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, March 15.
- Moneyline: Memphis (-130) | FAU (+115)
- Spread: Memphis -2 (-110) | FAU +2 (-110)
- Total: Over 153 (-105) | Under 153 (-115)
Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Best Bet
Keep reading for more Memphis vs Florida Atlantic betting tips.
Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Prediction
Memphis 77, Florida Atlantic 74
This is a whale of a matchup between two extremely underrated clubs, and the winner is likely to give top-ranked Purdue fits.
I’ll take Memphis to hold off FAU due to its experience — the Tigers reached the tournament and won a game as a No. 9 seed in 2022 — and a slight talent advantage. Plus, if it comes down to the end, the Owls ranked 185th in the country in free-throw shooting (.716), and Memphis was 61st (.747).
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Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Best Bets
Memphis -2 (-110) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
There’s no reason to bet Memphis moneyline at inferior odds just to hedge against it winning by one point. If that happens, it’s your unlucky day.
The odds overwhelmingly favor taking a favorite to cover two-plus, especially in college basketball where late-game free throws come into play.
If you think Memphis will win, take it to cover two. If you think FAU will cover two, take it to win at plus-money.
I just happen to think the Tigers are poised for a potential run.
Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Same Game Parlay
Memphis vs Florida Atlantic (+160) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
- Memphis Moneyline
- Over 147.5 Points
Each team averages almost 80 points per game, but other factors come into play like nerves and unfamiliar surroundings, which is why I’m hesitant to take the Over as it’s listed.
But in an SGP, teasing is your friend. There should be about 150 points in the game, and this pick gives some wiggle room.
If you like FAU to win, replace Memphis ML with the Owls and the odds spike to +200.
