FDU vs FL Atlantic Prediction & Game Preview - March 19, 2023 | March Madness 2023

FDU will face off against Florida Atlantic at 7:45 EST for a chance to play Tennessee in the Sweet 16.

Fairleigh Dickinson were the biggest Cinderella story of the NCAA Tournament after becoming just the second 16 seed in history to upset a 1 seed. They will hope the clock does not strike midnight just yet.

It did not look like a fluke win as the Knights outplayed top-seeded Purdue in every area of the game in the opening round. Despite being the shortest team in the country, FDU swarmed defensively and buzzed up and down the court. This resulted in a 63-58 win as the Knights shocked the world.

It was a bit of an uncharacteristic win, as on the season FDU averaged 76.1 points per game and allowed 74.1.

They are known for their run-and-gun style and are headlined by 5-foot-8 senior Demetre Roberts, who averages 16.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. His 5-foot-9 backcourt partner, Grant Singleton, also averages 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

Florida Atlantic, on the other hand, is no easy second-round matchup. The Owls went 32-3 on the season and most recently took down Memphis in the opening round in a narrow 66-65 victory. They are headlined by 6-foot-4 guard Johnell Davis, who has averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds this season.

They are a high-powered offense averaging 78.4 points per game, which is the 31st-best rate in the country. Florida Atlantic is also the 19th-best rebounding team in the country, which is a trend that will continue considering the size difference.

FDU vs Florida Atlantic prediction

The spread is set at roughly 13.5 points in favor of Florida Atlantic. It is clear that Vegas does not believe in the Cinderella run continuing, but it is tough to feel confident about this based on their on-court play of FDU.

Head Coach Tobin Anderson will surely have the team ready to play and the spread at this number is an intriguing bet. However, count on Florida Atlantic to win and continue its NCAA Tournament journey.

While some have criticized the strength of their schedule, they have looked every bit the deep tournament team they have sought to become all year.

Expect this to be a hard-fought matchup, but for the size and scoring ability of Florida Atlantic to be too much. The victory over Purdue in round one was impressive, but taking away Zach Edey changed the entire game.

Florida Atlantic is a more well-rounded team with more ways to win and will prove that in this matchup.