The East Carolina Pirates (7-6) and FAU Owls (10-3) meet Tuesday for the AAC opener at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena in Boca Raton, Fla. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the East Carolina vs. FAU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
The Pirates have suffered 3 losses in the past 4 games, including an 86-70 loss against East Tennessee State on Dec. 29. East Carolina is 2-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 outings, while the Under has connected in 5 of the past 6 meetings.
The Owls are coming off an inexplicable 72-68 loss at Florida Gulf Coast on Dec. 30 despite being a 17.5-point favorite as the Under (141.5) connected. It was FAU’s 2nd Q4 loss this season, and the Owls are the only team in the rankings with a loss to a Q4 team, let alone the fact it has happened twice. That setback splashed cold water on FAU’s win over Arizona in Las Vegas on Dec. 23, which sent the Owls to No. 6 in the Coaches Poll.
These teams last met in Greenville, N.C., in 2015, with the Pirates coming away with the 74-48 win and cover. These teams have met 3 times since January 2014, with FAU going 2-1 SU/ATS in those outings, with the Under going 2-0-1.