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North Texas Mean Green vs Florida Atlantic Owls Picks and Predictions February 22, 2026

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The Florida Atlantic Owls head into the UNT Coliseum this Sunday for a 4:00 PM ET tip-off against the North Texas Mean Green in a matchup that carries significant weight for American Athletic Conference tournament seeding. Both teams enter the weekend with identical 15-12 records, but their trajectories feel slightly different as the calendar turns toward March. This contest, which will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU, features a classic clash of styles between Florida Atlantic’s high-octane offensive approach and the disciplined, defensive-minded culture usually found in Denton.

North Texas currently sits as a -2.5 favorite at home, a line that reflects their solid 10-5 record at the UNT Coliseum this season. Florida Atlantic has struggled to find consistent footing on the road, posting a 6-7 record away from home, but they arrive in Texas with some momentum after a gritty eight-point win over UTSA. For the Mean Green, this is a vital bounce-back opportunity following a frustrating 77-71 loss to Tulane where their defense uncharacteristically leaked points. With the total set at 140.5, bettors are looking at a number that sits right on the edge of how these two teams prefer to dictate the tempo.

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Florida Atlantic vs North Texas Odds

The betting markets have remained relatively stable leading up to tip-off, though minor fluctuations are expected as game-day rosters are confirmed. It is always wise to check the latest college basketball odds before placing your wagers to ensure you are getting the best available price on the spread or total.

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal
Florida Atlantic+123+2.5 (-110)O 140.5 (-110)
North Texas-155-2.5 (-113)U 140.5 (-110)

Florida Atlantic Betting Form

Florida Atlantic’s identity starts and ends with their ability to put points on the board. Averaging 80.3 points per game, the Owls play a style that emphasizes floor spacing and aggressive rebounding. Their recent win against UTSA highlighted their interior strength, as Josiah Parker grabbed 13 boards and Devin Williams added 11. When the Owls are winning the rebounding battle by a significant margin, it allows them to mask some of their defensive lapses and get out in transition where Devin Vanterpool is most dangerous.

Efficiency is key for this FAU squad, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel on the road. While they have the talent to overwhelm mid-tier AAC teams, they sometimes fall into shooting slumps that let opponents hang around. To get a better sense of their recent ATS trends and scoring margins, you can look at Florida Atlantic stats and results. Health will also play a role in their rotation depth for this Texas swing, so be sure to check the Florida Atlantic injury report for any late-breaking updates on the availability of their backcourt depth.

North Texas Betting Form

North Texas remains one of the more difficult teams to play against at home because of their methodical pace and physical presence. Despite the recent loss to Tulane, the Mean Green showed they have individual playmakers capable of taking over a game. David Terrell Jr. is coming off an efficient 21-point performance, and his ability to get to the rim forces teams into foul trouble. North Texas ranks 117th nationally in free throws made per game, and in a tight spread situation like -2.5, those “free” points at the stripe are often the difference between a cover and a straight-up win that fails to reward bettors.

The Mean Green tend to dictate a slower, more deliberate game, but they have shown flashes of being able to run when Je’Shawn Stevenson gets hot from the perimeter. Their 10-5 home record suggests they are much more comfortable in the UNT Coliseum, where the sightlines and crowd energy seem to bolster their defensive intensity. You can track their home-court performance and upcoming matchups through the North Texas schedule and stats. Before locking in a side, verify the status of their starting lineup by looking at the North Texas injury report.

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Florida Atlantic vs North Texas Matchup Breakdown

The primary conflict in this game is the tempo battle. Florida Atlantic wants to push the pace and turn this into a track meet, while North Texas prefers to grind possessions down to the final ten seconds of the shot clock. If FAU can turn their defensive rebounds into immediate fast-break opportunities, they can bypass the set defense of the Mean Green. However, if North Texas controls the offensive glass or slows the game down with their frequent trips to the free-throw line, the Owls might find themselves frustrated in a half-court slog.

Rebounding will likely decide the spread. Florida Atlantic ranks 46th in the nation in total rebounds, and their ability to limit North Texas to one shot per possession is vital. Conversely, if North Texas can exploit FAU’s occasional defensive rotations to draw fouls, they can maintain the lead and control the clock late in the second half. Understanding these situational dynamics is a core part of any advanced NCAAB betting strategies.

Florida Atlantic vs North Texas Predictions and Best Bets

This is a classic “offense vs. defense” situational play. While North Texas is the favorite at home, Florida Atlantic’s 80.3 points per game is a massive statistical edge that the current 2.5-point spread might not fully account for. FAU has the length in Josiah Parker and Devin Williams to compete with the North Texas interior, which should neutralize the usual rebounding advantage the Mean Green enjoy at home. I think the Owls have a legitimate chance to win this outright, making the points a very attractive cushion.

Regarding the total, 140.5 feels a bit low considering Florida Atlantic’s scoring prowess and the fact that North Texas has been more efficient offensively of late, specifically through David Terrell Jr. Even if North Texas tries to slow the game down, their high free-throw rate usually keeps the clock stopped and the scoreboard moving. I expect a game that lands in the mid-140s, especially if we see the standard late-game fouling parade in a close conference contest.

I’m leaning toward the underdog here. Florida Atlantic has the scoring depth to keep up even if North Texas has a hot shooting night, and their rebounding should prevent the Mean Green from getting too many second-chance points. Perhaps the road record is a concern, but the matchup on the boards favors the Owls enough to take the points.

Best Bet: Florida Atlantic +2.5 (-110)

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NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats

To complete your Saturday betting card, review today’s college basketball picks for additional matchup analysis across the slate. Expert handicappers evaluate tempo, efficiency, and situational angles to uncover betting value.

For futures bettors, updated John Wooden Award odds and predictions and the latest college basketball championship odds provide insight into teams and players trending toward March success.

Combining detailed matchup analysis with disciplined bankroll management and proven advanced betting strategies remains essential for long-term profitability throughout the college basketball season.

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