Owls Move on Despite Record Know one expected another roster change to FAU’s already depleted status, but that is just what happened tonight in a 60-69 loss to the University of North Texas. Senior Guard, and leading scorer, Paul Graham III missed the call to board the plane in Fort Lauderdale, and his team mates proceeded into Dallas without him. Graham did arrive in time for the game, but did not play due to a coaches decision. The players available gave the Mean Green a feisty tussle. North Texas jumped out to 9-6 lead early and enjoyed a nine point advantage at the break. However, the Owls nipped and tugged throughout the second and would tie the game at 47-47 on a three by Carderro Nwoji with 8:45 to play. North Texas regained the lead by responding with a 10-0 run. Sammy Hernandez and Chris Watson each fouled out in the second, leaving FAU to finish out with Brett Royster and Chris Coleman (8 points, 7 rebounds), who continues to see extended minutes given the Owl’s depth problems. Down 59-51, with 2:25 to play, FAU huddled at the final media stop; hoping to find enough in the tank to make a run for the win. However, North Texas scored a long two out of the break, pushing the lead to 10. The Owls would pull no closer, missing ensuing opportunities to reduce the deficit, and then proceeded into foul mode. North Texas converted on 20 of 28 attempts at the line; a deciding factor. The loss drops the Owls to 4-15, and 0-7 in SBC play. Carderro Nwoji and Shavar Richardson lead the Owls with 15 points each. Brett Royster continued his solid play as of late with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He is on pace to become the single season all time blocks leader. Head Coach Mike Jarvis’ worst season as a Division I coach prior to FAU was a 14-15 finish at St. John’s in 2000-2001. It appears this season will eclipse that. Not music to his ears or Owl Fan’s either, but, alas, he has the program moving in the right direction from the recruiting perspective. It is just a matter of time, and a season to endure, until success begins to blossom. “As a coach you know it is much more than how many games you win as to determine if a season is a success or not. We are not here for the season; we are here for the reason, to build a program”, offered Jarvis recently. Well said.
