We're halfway to Saturday, so it is time to dive into the Final Four matchups a little deeper. By now, we all know the story of FAU, the little engine from Boca that could. A 9 seed that would have turned a $100 bet in November into a ticket worth $34,000 today.
After trucking through the East Region, the Owls are still the longshot remaining in this tournament with 5.5/1 odds, but isn’t everyone tired of betting against them? This team won more games than anyone else in the country this year, and most recently dominated power 5 teams in Tennessee and Kansas State.
They certainly will not be afraid of the Mountain West Champs. Currently favored by 1.5, the Aztecs have the second best odds to cut down the nets at 3.9/1 on FanDuel. San Diego State has been a bit of a Cinderella story in their own right, with most brackets who had them even winning a game, predicting them to get bounced by the Sweet 16. If you were sharp enough to put a $100 future on SDSU at the beginning of this tournament, that ticket is currently worth $1,761 and would turn you a nice profit before Saturday’s clash.
If you decide to ride that out, it would be because you love the physicality and force this team plays with, and how that matches up with a more finesse, up-tempo FAU team. Much like they did against a high powered Creighton attack, Brian Dutcher’s bunch will look to slow the pace down and feed the post to frustrate the opposing offense. The key for them will be their ability to run the Owls off of the three point line, which no one has been able to figure out yet. With the speed and athleticism advantage, FAU’s fate will come down to shot making, which has proven difficult in games played in these giant football stadiums. If the Owls can make shots, and find ways to rebound, they will be in good shape Saturday.
Personally, I love the pace FAU plays at, and the momentum they are playing with. There is a reason they only lost three times this year, and while I like San Diego State, I don’t think they are good enough to stop this flock of Owls. Let the party continue in Boca, and let's watch FAU play Monday night for a shot at a National Title.