Free Live Odds - Scores and Odds - Sports News - Sports Information - Live Scores - Sports Statistics - Sports Articles - Sports Standings - Live Scor

GAME NOTES: A pivotal Sun Belt Conference tilt will take place this evening at FAU Arena when the Florida Atlantic Owls host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

The Hilltoppers pushed their league mark to 10-6 on the season with a thrilling, 78-76 overtime decision over Arkansas State on Saturday. It was the fourth straight win for WKU, which is currently tied with FAU in the East Division, while sitting one game behind Troy and Middle Tennessee.

As for the Owls, they fell to 10-6 in Sun Belt play with an 86-80 setback to Troy over the weekend. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for FAU, which is an impressive 9-2 at home this year.

The Hilltoppers own a 7-1 edge over FAU in the all-time series and that includes a six-game winning streak for WKU. Earlier this season the Hilltoppers defeated the Owls, 79-72.

After a poor first half, the Hilltoppers made a furious comeback and eventually earned a two-point overtime victory over Arkansas State. Western Kentucky shot a mediocre 43.8 percent from the floor in the matchup and was paced by AJ Slaughter, who scored 13 of his 21 points in the extra session. Sergio Kerusch added 20 points, while Steffphon Pettigrew tallied 17 points, to go along with seven boards. Slaughter has been the most consistent player on the floor for WKU, as the guard is leading the team with 17.8 ppg and 126 assists, while Pettigrew is contributing 14.9 ppg. Kerusch, who has missed some time this season, is netting 14.1 ppg, to go along with 6.7 rpg, while Jeremy Evans is helping out with 10.1 ppg and a team-best 7.0 rpg.

The Owls have been a dangerous bunch at the offensive end of the court, as the team is producing 75.0 ppg, behind a 43.4 percent shooting effort. Greg Gantt is pacing the team with 15.6 ppg, while Raymond Taylor is helping out with 14.4 ppg and a team-best 163 assists. The last time the Owls were in action the team scored 80 points, but still fell to Troy by a six-point margin. FAU shot 47.6 percent from the floor and was led by Shavar Richardson, who exploded for 31 points. Taylor added 12 points, while Brett Royster tallied 11 points and seven rebounds. As for Gantt, he finished with 10 points.

The Owls have been outstanding offensively, but what has hurt this team has been its play at the defensive end of the court. Western Kentucky might be on the road, but look for the Hilltoppers to continue their strong play this evening.