Owls Set to Host 2021 Paradise Classic



What: 2021 Paradise Classic

When: November 19th to November 22nd, 2021

The Teams: FAU, North Dakota, Troy, UT Martin

Where: The Burrow - Abessinio Court at FAU Arena

Stream: CUSA.tv

Radio: FoxSports 640

Live Stats: Here


The Owls' Tournament Schedule

Game #1: FAU vs UT Martin Nov 19th @ 6:00 PM
Game #2: FAU vs North Dakota Nov 20th @ 6:00 PM
Game #3: FAU vs Troy Nov 22nd @ 7:00 PM


FAU at a Glance (2019-20)

Offense - 78 PPG, 44% FG, 28% 3PT

Defense - 74.4 PPGA, 45% FGA, 36% 3PTA

Rebounding - 41 RPG, 32 RPG Opponents


Owl Notables

The Owls (1-2) are looking to get back into the win column after dropping a heartfelt 68-66 loss to Miami in the final second of play before a full house at FAU Arena on Tuesday night.

Guard Michael Forrest is currently leading FAU overall in scoring with 18 PPG, is also first in steals (4), and is tied with two other players for second in rebounds (5.7 RPG).

Graduate transfer forward Bitumba Baruti has made a splash to start the season. The former ECU Pirate is leading the team off the glass with 6.0 RPG and is also currently third on the squad in scoring with 7.7 PPG.

FAU's 28.4% stat line from long range is somewhat misleading, as guards Brandon Weatherspoon and Johnell Davis account for a 3-of-18 showing collectively while representing 22% of the team's total attempts.


North Dakota at a Glance (2019-20)

Offense - 70 PPG, 37% FG, 35% 3PT

Defense - 76 PPGA, 46% FGA, 41 % 3PTA

Rebounding -  39 RPG , 33 RPG Opponents


Fighting Hawk Notables

North Dakota fell 75-60 in their season opener against Milwaukee. The Fighting Hawks were plagued by a tough-shooting night, hitting only 20-of-69 from the field for a 29 percent mark and just eight of the 29 attempts from distance.

North Dakota (1-1) came from behind to upend Montana (1-2) in the final seconds 79-77 on Monday night. Forwards Brendan Howard and Mitchell Sueker shared the team-lead in points with 18 each. The duo account for 33% of the squad's total offense on the young season.

NDU has never faced off against the Owls.


Troy at a Glance (2019-20)

Offense - 77 PPG, 47% FG, 29% 3PT

Defense - 59 PPGA, 36% FGA, 33% 3PTA

Rebounding -  38 RPG, 39 RPG Opponents


Trojan Notables

Troy (2-1) is coming off their first ever triple overtime contest, a 69-65 victory against soon to be incoming C-USA member Jacksonville State. Prior to that they went toe-to-toe with Butler for a half before ultimately falling 70-59.

The Trojans are taking advantage of 6-9, 240 lbs UTEP transfer forward Efe Odigie, who currently leads the squad with 13.0 PPG. Guards Deen Duke (11.3 PPG) and Zay Williams (9.0 PPG) round out the top three scorers for Troy and both average over 30 minutes per outing thus far. Defensively, the Trojans are forcing 24 turnovers a game.

The Owls have an established history with Troy, although the two have not faced off since March, 2013. The Trojans own a 20-12 mark overall in wins, but FAU is 6-3 over the last nine meetings while dropping the aforementioned contest 81-79 in overtime on a neutral court.


UT Martin at a Glance

Offense - 78 PPG, 47% FG, 30% 3PT

Defense - 78 PPGA, 38% FGA, 36% 3PTA

Rebounding -  46 RPG, 38 RPG Opponents


Skyhawk Notables

After losing to Tennessee 90-62 to open the regular season, UT Martin (1-1) claimed its first victory last Saturday, breezing past Miami Hamilton by a 94-66 margin at home. Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week 6-6" forward KK Curry racked up game-highs of 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks as guards KJ Simon (20) and Darius Simmons (19), and forward Chris Nix (13) were also in double figures.

The Skyhawks are 2-0 all-time against Florida Atlantic, including a 57-48 decision in 2015, and an 82-81 last second victory by way of a three pointer at FAU Arena in 2016.

Sources Cited: North Dakota, Troy, and UT Martin Media Relations

Just IN:

Owls open as +17 point favorites for tomorrow night's contest vs UT Martin.

 

Not sure when the last time they were favored by that many points was.

Just about ready for the Owls' opener, with tip off about :35 minutes away.

In the earlier game Troy was upset by North Dakota 74-72. The Trojans were 4.5 point favorites.

Tipoff has been pushed up to 6:15 PM.

FAU Starters, Greenlee back in the rotation.

#FAU is set to take on @UTMartin @SkyhawkHoops

Here's your @FAUMBB Starters. #GoOwls! 🦉🏀🦉

G @bgreenlee21
G @m_ke1135
G @martin_alijah
G Baruti, Bitumba
F Goldin, Vladislav pic.twitter.com/8TOoxhufr7

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 19, 2021

Little bit of a sloppy start for both teams out of the gate.

16:00 1st: @SkyhawkHoops jump out to a 9-4 lead but Forrest answer with a triple to make it 9-7. Each team with two turnovers so far. Goldin 4 points for #FAU.

📹 @diemer_sarah pic.twitter.com/ktSgsjWKhh

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 19, 2021

10:37 1st: FAU 22 UTM 18

Both teams on Fire from the floor but the Owls own a four point edge. Winchester and Baruti each with 5 PTS for the Owls.

We need to play some defense, little too soft here.

8:00 1st: FAU 26  UTM 27

The Skyhawks nudge ahead with a layup. They hold a slim margin off glass at 10-9.

Goldin having a great first half! Just had a nice put back DUNK.

3:52 1st: #FAU 33 #UTM 32

Owls holding on to the lead in a back and forth affair. THIS GUY has 🔟 PTS to lead them 👌 pic.twitter.com/zPM25MJ7S7

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 19, 2021