Florida Atlantic is 4-3 SU on the road this season. The Bulls are 12-2 SU at home and 9-0-3 ATS in conference play. South Florida has shown a lot of grittiness this season and continue to get better as the season goes on. The Bulls defense has been holding opponents to 67.7 points at home while also shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc over their last three games. Florida Atlantic has an edge on the glass and got Giancarlo Rosado back from injury. However, the Owls are 3-9 ATS in conference play.

FAU has rarely had it easy on the American trail this season; even when the Owls notch a spread cover, it's been in harrowing fashion, such as last Sunday at Wichita State when forced into OT before pulling clear for a very unlikely spread W. This is the chance for South Florida to make another statement in what has been a delightful maiden campaign for HC Amir Abdur-Rahim, who has steered the Bulls to a surprise (or maybe shocking) 18-5 SU mark and the lead in the American with a balanced attack paced by G Chris Youngblood (14.7 ppg), who moved to Tampa with Abdur-Rahim from Kennesaw State. The Bulls have also not dropped a spread decision in calendar 2024 (9-0-3)! Play USF

South Florida's success this season has been built on their solid defense, which has limited opponents to 42.1 percent shooting from the floor and 31.1 percent from beyond the arc. However, they had a disappointing game on Wednesday night, with 15 turnovers, which did not please head coach Abdur-Rahim. The last time these two teams played each other was back in 2019, which should benefit the home team. Interestingly, fading ranked teams in the game immediately following their 20th win has proved profitable. As someone who values good defense, I will happily take the points with the underdog, especially since the game is sold out at the Yuengling Center.