Preview: Florida Atlantic at Wichita State

WICHITA, Kan. (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season American Athletic Conference men’s basketball clash is set for Saturday when the Wichita State Shockers host the Florida Atlantic Owls at Charles Koch Arena.

The Shockers (20-10 overall) enter on a hot streak, having won five of their last six games to solidify their position in the upper tier of the league. Their offense has been powered by guard Kenyon Giles, who is averaging 26.2 points over his last five contests. Giles erupted for 28 points in a road win at Texas-San Antonio last Sunday and has scored 20 or more points in seven of his last eight games.

Florida Atlantic (17-13) looks to build momentum after a narrow 77-76 overtime victory over Charlotte last Sunday. The Owls have been inconsistent in conference play but handed Wichita State an 85-67 defeat in Boca Raton on Jan. 15. In that game, the Shockers were held to 36.2% shooting from the field.

A key for the Owls will be the production of forward Maxim Logue, who led the team with 16 points in the win over Charlotte. Florida Atlantic has shown resilience, with three of its last five games decided by three points or fewer, though it has lost three of those close contests.

Wichita State has found its rhythm at the right time, with its only recent blemish a home loss to South Florida on Feb. 11. The Shockers’ offense has averaged 81.2 points during their current 5-1 run.

The matchup features contrasting styles: a surging Wichita State team peaking late in the season against a Florida Atlantic squad seeking to salvage its postseason hopes with a statement road win. The Shockers will aim to protect their home court and avenge January’s lopsided loss, while the Owls need a quality victory to bolster their resume.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, at Charles Koch Arena. The game will be televised on an ESPN network.