Saturday, March 1st, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: The FAU Arena (5,000) -- Boca Raton, Florida. Television: None. Home Record: WKU 13-1, FAU 10-3. Away Record: WKU 9-3, FAU 2-12. Neutral Record: WKU 1-2, FAU 1-2. Conference Record: WKU 15-2, FAU 8-9. Series Record: Western Kentucky leads, 3-1.

GAME NOTES: The Western Kentucky will try to take a winning streak into the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, as they close out their regular season schedule this evening against Florida Atlantic at the FAU Arena. The Hilltoppers are 15-2 in league play and are tied with South Alabama for the top spot in the conference. Unfortunately, WKU has lost twice South Alabama, and will need a win and a Jaguar loss to clinch the top spot. WKU has won its last two matchups, defeating UL-Monroe (86-75) and FIU (69-54). The Hilltoppers have played strong on the road, posting a 9-3 mark. As for the Owls, they have also won their last two matchups, with the most recent win coming against Troy by a 99-93 margin. Even with the two victories the Owls are just 8-9 in league action and are currently in fourth place in the East Division. In terms of the all-time series between the two schools on the hardwood, the Hilltoppers have won three of the four meetings, including an 80-62 victory over the Owls earlier this season.

The Hilltoppers have been extremely balanced throughout the season and come into this matchup averaging 76.7 ppg, while holding the opposition to just 65.3 ppg. In the team's recent victory over FIU, the Hilltoppers used a tremendous defensive effort, limiting the Golden Panthers to just 54 points. WKU held FIU to just 34.0 percent shooting from the floor, and also forced the team into 21 turnovers. At the other end of the court, the Hilltoppers shot 51.0 percent from the floor and were led by A.J. Slaughter and D.J. Magley, who posted 12 and 10 points, respectively. As for the team's leading scorer, Courtney Lee (20.6 ppg), he tallied just seven points, but did collect six rebounds.

The Owls exploded the last time they were on the floor, shooting a stellar 52.5 percent from the floor, while also connecting on 27-of-38 attempts from the foul line en route to a 99-93 win over Troy. It was a shocking effort by FAU, which is averaging a mediocre 71.2 ppg. Paul Graham III, who is netting 13.9 ppg, led the way with 27 points in the contest, while Carderro Nwoji added 19 points. Xavier Perkins contributed 13 points in the win, and Jeff Parmer helped with 12 points and 10 rebounds. As for the team's leading scorer and rebounder, Carlos Monroe (15.6 ppg and 9.3 rpg), he also posted a double- double with 10 points, and 10 boards.

The Hilltoppers are definitely not the Trojans, so do not expect FAU to enjoy the same success. Western Kentucky will likely put forth a tremendous offensive assault, in picking up the victory.

Predicted Outcome

Western Kentucky 75, Florida Atlantic 66