Owls face Rival FIU in Home-and-Home Series


What: Florida Atlantic (5-6, 0-2) vs. Florida International (8-4, 2-2)

When: Thursday, January 14, @ 7 PM Eastern
            Saturday, January 16, @ 4 PM Eastern

Where: Ocean Bank Convocation Center

Series: The Panthers lead the all-time series 18-15, including a three-game win streak.

FIU Team Site: Here


TV: None

Stream: ESPN+ *Subscription Required

Radio: FoxSports 640

Live Stats: Here


FIU at a Glance:

Offense - 81.8 PPG, 46% FG, 36% 3PT

Defense - 70.7 PPGA, 44% FGA, 32% 3PTA

Rebounding - 35.9 RPG Panthers, 36.9 RPG Opponents


Notables

The Panthers currently sit one game behind Conference USA's East Division leading Old Dominion. ODU split their series with FIU two weeks ago before sweeping FAU last weekend.

Last time out, FIU split their series against a struggling Middle Tennessee program. The Panthers won game one 68-55 and fell in game two 67-56.

FIU ranks #30 in the nation in scoring thanks to the shooting prowess of talented guard Antonio Daye, Jr. The junior from Fort Lauderdale High School averages 18 points per game.


FAU at a Glance

Offense - 80.5 PPG, 47% FG, 38% 3PT

Defense - 65.7 PPGA, 42% FGA, 36% 3PTA

Rebounding - 40.3 RPG Owls, 32.5 RPG Opponents


Notables

The Owls are amidst a three-game losing streak, and a four-game skid when facing Division I opponents. This includes a 0-2 start to conference play as the Owls were swept by Old Dominion last week by scores of 71-67 and 64-55.

Forward Jailyn Ingram had a game-high 26 points in game one. In game two, guard BJ Greenlee owned a team-high 14 points while Ingram earned his second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

FAU is still led in points and rebounding by Ingram with 16 and 6.4 per game, respectively.


Latest Line: FAU +4.5

Thursday night's game is being pushed back 30 minutes due to an issue involving officiating, per Ken LaVicka.

Alright… 30 minutes delayed, but better late than never!

No changes in tonight's starting five from the sweep against ODU. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing as the Owls have been able to start off games rather well with these five. Finding the best rotations is where the Owls have slipped up. Coach May said that would be a big point of emphasis going into this rivalry week.

Despite the slump, no changes in @CoachDustyMay's starting lineup tonight.#FAU's Starting 5⃣ 🆚 #FIU, Game ☝️ ⬇️

G - BJ Greenlee

G - Michael Forrest

G - Kenan Blackshear

F - Jailyn Ingram

F - Karlis Silins

It's #BeatFIU time! #GoOwls 👌

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 15, 2021

Wow… best ten minutes of FAU basketball this season. Suffocating defense, fast paced -yet safe- offense, all juiced with some infectious energy from the boys.

.@m_ke1135 gave #FAU an lead early and the Owls haven't looked back since! @FAUMBB with their best ten minutes of basketball all season, giving #FIU a taste of their own medicine with nonstop up-tempo play.

FAU leads FIU 18-9 | 10:14 1H pic.twitter.com/Si5rog2i9F

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 15, 2021

Owls played well in the following ten minutes, but a couple too many turnovers paired with FIU finally hitting their threes allow the host to pull ahead just before the halftime.

HALFTIME | #FIU leads #FAU 31-29

FIU has the lead for the first time after converting a bank shot as the half expires.

Owls leading every stat category but 3FG & TO's.@2easyJ_ leads FAU in scoring with 9 points, including this coast ➡️ coast showcase of individual skill. pic.twitter.com/U7p3dKcjn0

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 15, 2021

I’ll admit. We were up by 10 when I turned the game on… this is on me

Absolute gorgeous block from Kenan Blackshear.

.@kbuckets11 said 🙅‍♂️ nah fam ✋#FAU #GoOwls #BeatFIU pic.twitter.com/AkzLVTeMN8

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 15, 2021

owlmart said

I’ll admit. We were up by 10 when I turned the game on… this is on me

Posted On: Jan 14th 2021, 8:25 PM #399989

NOOOOOOoooo00000ooooOOOOOO  

Wow, what an incredibly entertaining, fast-paced and scrappy second half.

.@2easyJ_ finds a cutting @EWinchester220 who hits the smooth reverse layup while getting HACKED by the #FIU defender. Refs failed to blow their whistle.#FAU leads FIU 41-39 | 15:08 2H pic.twitter.com/ObWpvT3bbP

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 15, 2021

Something that I want to add: Coach May loves coaching these kids and his players truly respect him. That is normally on display during games, but I've never seen such chemistry between coaches and players during a game like I have tonight.