Date: Friday, March 22
Time: 12:15 p.m. ET
Arena: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
The magic of March Madness continues to captivate! This year, the Barclays Center in New York transforms into a battleground for a compelling first-round matchup unlike any other.
In one corner, the Florida Atlantic Owls, fresh off their Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2023, return with a hunger to rewrite history. Opposite them stand the Northwestern Wildcats, a team that’s tasted the sweet victory of snapping a long NCAA Tournament drought and now craves more. But this isn’t just any first-round pairing; it’s a rematch steeped in storylines.
We’ll revisit their thrilling encounter from last year, analyze the current strengths and weaknesses of each team, and explore why Florida Atlantic might be poised for a revenge victory. We’re about to take flight with the Owls and soar into the heart of the NCAA Tournament.
FAU vs. Northwestern Prediction Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of predictions for FAU vs. Northwestern using various models and factors:
Prediction Models:
| Model | FAU Points | Northwestern Points |
|---|---|---|
| KenPom | 75.4 | 72.1 |
| Sagarin | 74.2 | 71.8 |
| ESPN BPI | 75.3 | 72.2 |
| Massey Ratings | 73.7 | 72.4 |
| Barttorvik | 74.1 | 71.9 |
Pythagorean Expectation:
- Points Scored per Game: FAU (82.5) vs. Northwestern (73.7)
- Points Allowed per Game: FAU (73.3) vs. Northwestern (69.0)
Pythagorean Expectation: FAU 79.1 – Northwestern 71.4
Florida Atlantic Owls: Recharged and Ready for Another Deep Run
Remember the Florida Atlantic Owls’ incredible Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2023? Well, they’re back with a vengeance, boasting the experience and hunger to relive that magic. Coach Dusty May’s squad, armed with a returning core, started the season ranked in the Top 10 and remains a force to be reckoned with.
Northwestern Wildcats: Building on a Historic Season
The Northwestern Wildcats are no strangers to exceeding expectations. After snapping a 77-year NCAA Tournament drought in 2017, they’ve secured consecutive appearances. Key players like graduate senior Boo Buie, their all-time leading scorer, are hungry to make another deep run in the tournament.
A Glimpse Back: Northwestern Edges Out FAU in Last Season’s Encounter
These teams actually met last year in a close non-conference battle, with Northwestern prevailing 70-68. However, a lot has changed since then. FAU’s core is a year stronger, while Northwestern is missing a key contributor in senior guard Ty Berry due to a season-ending injury.
Why Florida Atlantic -2.5 is a Safe Bet
Here’s why the Owls have a clear edge in this matchup:
- Experience: FAU’s core group, battle-tested from their Final Four run, provides a significant advantage in high-pressure situations.
- Offensive Firepower: The Owls boast a potent offense, averaging over 82 points per game compared to Northwestern’s 73.7.
- Northwestern’s Injury Woes: The absence of senior guard Ty Berry weakens the Wildcats’ backcourt, potentially impacting their offensive flow.
Taking Flight with FAU: A Confident Conclusion
The stage is set for an electrifying first-round matchup. Florida Atlantic’s experience, offensive firepower, and matchup advantage make them the safer pick. With FAU -2.5, you can confidently soar with the Owls as they take flight in their quest for another NCAA Tournament deep run.
PICK: FAU -2.5 LOSE