UAB vs Florida Atlantic Odds & Predictions for C-USA Championship Game

• The top-seeded Florida Atlantic Owls are 1-point favorites over the #3 UAB Blazers Conference USA Tournament final on Saturday, March 11
• UAB upended North Texas 76-69 in the semifinal, and split against FAU this season
• Below, see the UAB vs Florida Atlantic odds and picks for Saturday

On paper, the C-USA title game between the top-seeded Florida Atlantic Owls (30-3, 20-10-1 ATS) and third-seeded UAB Blazers (25-9, 16-16-2 ATS) might seem to be quite even. Research from earlier this year proves that to be quite the case. UAB narrowly lost to Florida Atlantic by two at the Owls’ home court. It was FAU’s closest win at home all year. The Blazers defeated the Owls on their home court in turn by an easier nine points. Both teams come in hot. However, it the Blazers who have won eight straight games that have turned quite a few heads.

Oddsmakers are mixed when it comes to this game as numbers have been right around plus or minus one point, depending on the site.

UAB vs Florida Atlantic Odds

Florida Atlantic is set as the #7 seed in the Midwest Region, while UAB is in limbo when it comes to the projected March Madness bracket. Florida Atlantic is considered a long shot in the March Madness odds.

Tip-off for this clash is set for 8:30 pm ET on Saturday March 11 at the Ford Center at the Star. The game is being carried by the CBS Sports Network. Florida Atlantic was set as the -120 favorite to win their conference tourney finale against the rival Blazers.

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Odds as of March 10 at Caesars Sportsbook.

UAB vs FAU Betting Trends

The people are a little bit split on this one. Despite the history of UAB keeping this close, the public spread splits are going 83% (handle) and 57% (bets) in favor of the Owls.  Public moneyline splits are again within a point either way as both teams are evenly matched and the numbers reflect that out. One figures not to see too much +EV betting here.

As far as the total of 148 points, the over is getting 53% of handle. Also, the over is now drawing 60% of bets. UAB has seen the over connect in seven of their last 11 games. Furthermore, this is a team that averages almost 83 points per game. Florida Atlantic scores 79.2 points per contest. Even projections have this game hitting 150 points and looks to be a bit conservative. The over has already inched up from 147 to 148.

UAB May Have a Leg Up Here

It is the idea that this game is being played on a neutral site which piques the interest of some bettors. Again, like we mentioned, value is not going to be optimal here. Almost every projection out there has this contest being a one possession game. When looking at the matchups, UAB arguably should have won that game at Florida Atlantic. A few missed free throws was the difference as the Owls shot 18 of 21 from the line while the Blazers were only 12-for-18.

The UAB Blazers are headed back to the Championship Game. They beat a really good North Texas team to earn their spot in the big game.

Andy Kennedy & Jelly Walker are the worst nightmare for bubble teams tomorrow night! #UAB https://t.co/Gorw5OVBd6

— Ryan McIntyre (@Moneyline_Mac) March 10, 2023

UAB again ranks 8th in the nation in scoring at 82.5 points per game. Jordan Walker is a little beast leading the Blazers averaging more than 23 points per contest. Watch for Javian Davis as a wildcard. He racked up 15 points in 20 minutes during the opening meeting against Florida Atlantic. Also, he looked like a player who could generate plenty of mismatches against the Owls. Eric Gaines dropped 21 in the second meeting as the Blazers scored 86 points, despite shooting just 30% from three-point range.

Florida Atlantic Keeps on Fighting

Certainly, no one from the Owls is anywhere near the top of the Wooden Award odds, as the focal point for Florida Atlantic is their balance. Five players average 9.3 points per game or more while Johnell Davis leads the team with 13.2 points per game. Assists and rebounds follow the same pattern. This is an Owls squad that kind of plays by committee. That balance can be a blessing and a curse in a matchup like this.

Florida Atlantic holds on for a 68-65 win over Middle Tennessee in the first semifinal at the Conference USA basketball tournament.

North Texas and UAB are up next.

You have to wonder if FAU is an NCAA tournament lock at this point.

— Brett Vito (@brettvito) March 10, 2023

Johnell Davis led the way as Florida Atlantic built up a 14-point early lead then held on for dear life as Middle Tennessee clamped down on defense in the second half. UAB will not slow down as much which presents a few serious dilemmas for an Owls team that likely has locked up a middle seed (7 or 8) in the tournament.

UAB vs Florida Atlantic Prediction

Their success against Florida Atlantic is well documented. Expect the Blazers to have more to play for here. UAB can win this game outright. Right now, the moneyline is Even, but it could shift slightly.

Pick: UAB Moneyline (+100)