The Marshall Thundering Herd (17-13, 10-7 CUSA) welcome the Florida Atlantic Owls (17-13, 8-9 CUSA) to Henderson Center as the regular season comes to a close. The game gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Marshall Thundering Herd ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Thundering Herd defeated the FIU Golden Panthers, 94-78, while the Owls lost a winnable game to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 72-69.
Marshall dominated nearly every facet of the contest. They had a free throw rate of 0.182 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 9.5 (better than their season average of 14.9). For those same stats, FIU recorded marks of 0.101 and 12.4, respectively. Florida Atlantic, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2 (above their season average of 30.8). Marshall was led by Jon Elmore, who contributed 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Karlis Silins, meanwhile was a key piece for Florida Atlantic with 19 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, C.J. Burks led the Thundering Herd to a 96-84 win. He put up 30 points, six assists and five rebounds. Getting to the free throw line was one of Marshall’s largest strengths. They made 37 trips to the line, while Florida Atlantic went just 21 times.
The Owls’ Silins has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 10 points,1.2 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Taevion Kinsey has averaged 12 points during that same time frame for the Thundering Herd.
Second-chance points could be rare for Marshall in this meeting. The Thundering Herd rank 327th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.2 percent), while Florida Atlantic ranks 53rd in defensive rebounding percentage (74.8 percent). It could also be an error-filled game for the offense of the Owls, which ranks 305th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.9 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Thundering Herd, which forces the 47th-most turnovers in the NCAA (21.5 percent).
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Marshall Thundering Herd Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Marshall, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Florida Atlantic averages 40.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 13th in the nation. Marshall ranks 287th in rebounds allowed per game (42.7).
- The Thundering Herd rank 19th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Owls rank 139th (2.8).
- The Thundering Herd average 28.8 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the nation. The Owls rank 213th in three pointers allowed per game (24.2).
- Marshall ranks seventh in steals per game (9.2) while Florida Atlantic ranks 191st in steals allowed per game (7.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Thundering Herd have outscored opponents by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Marshall has lost by an average of 2.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 64.4 points per game (6.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.6 points per game (9.5 below their season average).
