Florida Atlantic vs. UAB (Owls -4.5)
(NCAAB) Florida Atlantic vs. UAB,
Point Spread: -4.50 | -110.00 Florida Atlantic (Away)
Result: Loss
The Owls are just a half-game behind USF in the conference standings, and while they haven't covered the spread much in AAC play, they covered as large favorites in two of their last three games. That included a statement victory over the weekend, as FAU broke the 100-point barrier on 53.3 percent shooting. The Owls led 40-27 at halftime but didn't let off the gas, mercilessly attacking Tulsa with 62 second-half points. With March approaching, last year's tourney darlings looked like a squad determined to prove they haven't lost their mojo.

UAB is certainly no pushover, but it's not a worthwhile bet ATS on Thursday. The Owls dominated the Blazers in the first half of their previous meeting, and while UAB did all it could to rally, it still lost by 13. UAB's defense is suspect at the rim (59.5% opponent rim FG%) and it ranks 241st in opponent 3PT%. The Owls are an efficient offensive squad with several veteran stars who can score in the paint and beyond the arc. After scoring 40 points in the paint in the first matchup, they're bound to score plenty of points at the rim and could force their way to the foul line a lot (28-for-32 FT shooting vs. Tulsa).

Bet on Florida Atlantic to win and cover Thursday at UAB.