Vaughn Dalzell breaks down how to bet the Elite 8 matchup between the Florida Atlantic Owls and Kansas State Wildcats.
Florida Atlantic vs. Kansas State (-2): O/U 144.5
This spread is a little low due to questions around Marquis Nowell's ankle is likely the reason why. However, he balled out in his return en route to 20 points and an NCAA record 19 assists against Michigan State.
I was on both these teams in the Sweet 16 and I'd expect Kansas State to be laying -5 against FAU rather than Tennessee, but I think K-State is much better than both FAU and Tennessee.
FAU has changed its style in multiple tournament games now and that was evident against Tennessee, but Kansas State plays to who they are at all times.
At least four players have scored double-digits in all three NCAA Tournament games for Kansas State and what I like about the Wildcats' offense is that they play their style and are constantly moving and passing the rock. The Wildcats rank 7th in the country in assists to made field goal percent (63.9%).
Both these offenses are top 100 in tempo and top 35 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, so looking at different models, you can see why the spread is so low but let's add in the eye test and it's not even a question of who advances to me.
Give me Kansas State on the ML (-130), I am taking the Big 12 over Conference USA.
Pick: Kansas State ML (1u)
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