COLLEGE BASKETBALL — February 6
FLORIDA ATLANTIC at DENVER
(Denver -7) — [private] Florida Atlantic wins by playing tight defense and hitting three-pointers; of course, the concern here is that the grind here may get to them. With only one day removed from a disappointing 86-69 loss at North Texas, FAU travels to the high altitude of Denver. The Owls’ backcourt of Greg Gantt and Raymond Taylor is splendid on occasion, and with Brett Royster (3.1 blocks, 6.8 rebounds per game) in the middle they may have what it takes to exploit Denver’s inability to hit the boards with any authority (only 4.5 offensive rebounds a game), and keep them out on the perimeter to boot. What we worry about here is Denver’s poor defense (48% FG’s allowed), which can usually only be turned around with hot three-point shooting. Lately the Pioneer shave been missing the mark, hitting below 40% in three of the last eight games, and coach Mike Jarvis has had his team ready most of the time (seven covers in last nine games).
THE PLAY: FLORIDA ATLANTIC +7 ***
(All information is for news matter only; All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars. Lines are subject to change)
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