The Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners are set to host the Florida Atlantic Owls in a non-conference matchup, with UTSA looking to snap a 4-game losing streak, during which they've been outscored by an average of 12.2 points per game, including a 109-88 thrashing at the hands of South Florida, where they allowed the Bulls to shoot 54.5% from the field. Over their last 5 games, UTSA has averaged 75.8 points per game, but their defense has been a major concern, allowing 88 points per game, which is a significant reason for their 1-4 record in that stretch. In their most recent game, a 73-83 loss to UAB, the Roadrunners were outscored by 10 points in the second half, highlighting their struggles to close out games.
The Roadrunners' recent form has been a major concern, with their last 5 games resulting in a 1-4 record, including a 58-81 loss to North Texas, where they were outscored by 23 points in the second half. On the other hand, Florida Atlantic has been struggling as well, with a 5-game losing streak, during which they've averaged 74 points per game, but allowed 82 points per game, resulting in a -8 point differential per game. In their most recent game, a 65-92 loss to Memphis, the Owls were outscored by 27 points in the second half, highlighting their struggles to compete with top-tier teams.
Florida Atlantic's Recent Struggles
Key Matchups
Florida Atlantic's recent struggles can be attributed to their inability to defend the perimeter, where they've allowed opponents to shoot 37.5% from three over their last 5 games. The Owls must find a way to contain UTSA's guards, who have been averaging 18.4 points per game over their last 5 games. One player to watch is Florida Atlantic's leading scorer, who has been averaging 18.2 points per game over his last 5 games, but has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 41.5% from the field. If the Owls can find a way to get him going, they may be able to overcome their recent struggles and come out on top.
The trends suggest that this game could be a high-scoring affair, with UTSA averaging 75.8 points per game over their last 5 games, and Florida Atlantic averaging 74 points per game over their last 5 games. However, the Owls' defensive struggles, allowing 82 points per game over their last 5 games, could be the deciding factor in this game. UTSA's offense, which has been led by their guards, who have been averaging 18.4 points per game over their last 5 games, may be able to take advantage of the Owls' defensive struggles and come out on top. But, considering the CHD Scout prediction, it seems that Florida Atlantic is still the favored team to win this game.
CHD Scout Prediction
Florida Atlantic
85
UTSA
68
The CHD Scout prediction has Florida Atlantic winning this game by 17 points, with UTSA having just an 8.5% chance of coming out on top. This is likely due to the significant difference in defensive efficiency between the two teams, with Florida Atlantic allowing 82 points per game over their last 5 games, while UTSA has allowed 88 points per game over their last 5 games. Additionally, the Owls have been able to dominate the glass, outrebounding their opponents by an average of 4.2 rebounds per game over their last 5 games, which could be a major factor in this game.
As we look at the tournament stakes for this game, a win for Florida Atlantic would be a much-needed boost to their resume, which has taken a hit due to their recent 5-game losing streak. A win would help the Owls build momentum and confidence heading into the final stretch of the season, and could potentially move them up in the NET rankings. On the other hand, a loss would be a significant blow to their tournament hopes, and would likely drop them further down in the NET rankings. For UTSA, a win would be a major upset, and would give them a much-needed quality win to add to their resume. However, considering their recent form, it seems unlikely that they will be able to come out on top.
Tournament Stakes
A win for Florida Atlantic would not only give them a much-needed confidence boost but also provide them with a chance to move up in the conference standings. The Owls are currently sitting at 6-7 in the conference, and a win would put them just a game back of the top teams in the conference. On the other hand, a loss would drop them to 5-8, and would make it extremely difficult for them to catch up to the top teams in the conference. For UTSA, a win would be a major upset, and would give them a much-needed quality win to add to their resume. However, considering their recent form, it seems unlikely that they will be able to come out on top, and a loss would drop them to 1-13 in the conference, all but eliminating them from tournament contention.
The trends and statistics suggest that Florida Atlantic should come out on top in this game, but UTSA has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and could potentially pull off the upset if they can find a way to contain the Owls' offense. The Roadrunners must find a way to defend the perimeter, where the Owls have been averaging 34.5% from three over their last 5 games. If they can do that, they may be able to keep the game close and potentially come out on top. However, considering the CHD Scout prediction, it seems that Florida Atlantic is still the favored team to win this game, and it would take a significant effort from UTSA to pull off the upset. The game is set to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams averaging over 74 points per game over their last 5 games, and the winner will likely be the team that can find a way to defend the other's offense.