Bury The Burrow in Red Returns with FIU in Town


What: Florida International (16-8, 7-4) @ Florida Atlantic (14-10, 6-5)

When: Saturday, February 8th, 2020 @ 4:00 PM Eastern

Where: Abessinio Court at FAU Arena

Series: FIU leads the all-time series 27-19.


TV: None

Stream: ESPN+ *Fee

Radio: FoxSports 640

Live Stats: Here

FIU Team Site: Here



FIU at a Glance:

Offense - 79.0 PPG, 46% FG, 36% 3PT

Defense - 73.0 PPGA, 41% FGA, 28% 3PTA

Rebounding - 36.3 RPG Panthers, 40.5 RPG Opponents


Notables

The Panthers bring their two game winning streak to Boca Raton for the second leg of a home-and-home against FAU.

FIU shot 42.6% from the field in their dominating victory on Wednesday. Devon Andrews led all Panthers with 15 points,  while start center  Osasumwen Osaghae followed closely behind in 13 points and three blocks.

With the win, FIU positioned themselves in the final spot of the "top pod" for C-USA's Bonus Play.



FAU at a Glance:

Offense - 71.2 PPG, 43% FG, 33% 3PT

Defense - 68.5 PPGA, 43% FGA, 33% 3PTA

Rebounding - 37.2 RPG Owls, 34.5 RPG Opponents


Notables

Dusty May's Owls put themselves in a pickle following Wednesday's embarrassing defeat to rival FIU, falling a game out of position in the 'top pod" race.

With his 13 points, Aleksandar Zecevic was the only Owl to score double digits in the 69-50 loss. He also lead the team along the glass with five rebounds.

FAU will have to play better along the arc in order to come away victorious on Saturday. FIU drained five straight three-pointers to stretch their lead to as much as 25 points in the second half. All the while the Owls only converted one three pointer from 16 attempts.

A stat that favors the Owls will be their 12-2 record at The Burrow. The only loses came against St. Bonaventure and UAB by a combined ten points.

Harkening on their "Bury The Burrow in Red" vs. FIU tradition, FAU Athletics have called for a red-out. Fans are encouraged to partake in the tradition by wearing their "Rivalry Red" gear to the game.

Following this contest, FAU will travel to Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss before C-USA Bonus Play kicks off.


Opening Line: FAU -2.5

Additional Links:

2019-2020 FAU Basketball Schedule - FAU Owl's Nest

2019-2020 FAU Basketball Season Discussion Thread - FAU Owl's Nest

We're closing in on tipoff from The Burrow.

We’re about 20 minutes from tipping off the 2020 edition of Bury The Burrow in Red game vs. #FIU.#FAU is ready to bounce back and to fight for a spot in the top pod of #CUSA’s Bonus Play. pic.twitter.com/JPrC4gQmbH

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020

Interesing to see Blacksheer in the starting line up today.

#FAU's Starting Five vs. #FIU:

G - Cornelius "Scuta" Taylor

G - Kenan Blackshear

G - Richardson Maitre

F - Jailyn Ingram

C - Aleksandar Zecevic

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020

With Scuta draining a pair of three pointers, FAU already has converted more from the arc than they did at FIU on Wednesday.

Scuta making it rain!

We’ve hit our first media stoppage after Scuta’s theee gives #FAU a bird lead.

Now we’re tied at 12 a piece. pic.twitter.com/kjVG9I5N39

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020

Owls need to take advantage of the sloppy place from FIU. The Panthers haven't scored in over three minutes, with four turnovers killing their possessions.

Scuta making it rain!

We’ve hit our first media stoppage after Scuta’s theee gives #FAU a bird lead.

Now we’re tied at 12 a piece. pic.twitter.com/kjVG9I5N39

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020

Really funny to see how much FIU respects Scuta's three point ability. I don't blame them, but seeing their reaction once he gets a touch along the arc is hilarious.

Every time Scuta Taylor looks to shoot a three, #FIU bolts up to double-team him like a group of preteen girls running into Justin Bieber on the street.

This is allowing #FAU to check-down for open shots. We're okay with that!

Owls lead 22-20 with 7:55 left in the first half.

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020

OH MY KARLIS SILINS!!!!

SILINS SLAM!!!

And over #FIU's Osasumwen Osaghae, the nation's leader in blocks, to boot! pic.twitter.com/tWdI55TIsT

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020

HALFTIME. FAU leads FIU, 39-27.

The Owls FINALLY have a strong finish to the first half!

HALFTIME. #FAU 39 - #FIU 27.

The Owls defense has forced more FIU turnovers than the Panthers have converted FGs. That's a good Owls' recipe for success!

Silins owns a GH 13 points, with Ingram and Taylor both a 6 a piece.

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020

FIU starts the half hot, with Maitre making the only FAU FG of the half as we hit the first media break.

Richardson Maitre has been dynamite from the mid-range today! He drains this fade-away for his third FG of the day.#FAU leads, but #FIU is surging. Owls up 41-35 with 15:00 to play. pic.twitter.com/hn80FMzsX5

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020

Now it's Jailyn Ingram's turn to shake the rim!

🌴 Welcome to Dunka Raton! 🌴

It’s Ingram’s turn to join the dunk fest as #FAU continues to lead #FIU in the second half. pic.twitter.com/xwTZmXmEbS

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 8, 2020