ULM (6-10, 1-4) @ FAU (6-9, 2-2) When : Saturday, Jan. 9th – 7:00PM EST Will tip 30:00 after conclusion of women’s game Where : Boca Raton, FL – The Burrow Live Video : FAU Pay Per View ESPN 760 Internet Broadcast : Here Live Stats : None ULM Site : Here Probable Starters : ULM G Tony Hooper 13.3 ppg G Warren Fuselier 4.9 ppg G Dynile Forbes 10.4 ppg F Rudy Turner 8.4 ppg F Lawrence Gilbert 10.4 ppg FAU G Ray Taylor 16.8 ppg G Greg Gantt 13.9 ppg G Alex Tucker 4.5 ppg F Sanchez Hughley 9.7 ppg F Brett Royster 9.9 ppg The Series FAU enjoys a 2-1 series advantage versus Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks downed the Owls last season in Boca Raton 94-88. Shavar Richardson had 20 points while Alex Tucker added 12 and a career-high 11 assists for Florida Atlantic in the loss. ULM at a Glance Heading into Saturday’s game the Warhawks will be looking to snap a six game road losing streak – where they have found little success on the season at 1-8. ULM erased a 12 point second half deficit against Florida International on thursday night, but a late 12-6 run by the Panther’s sealed a 62-56 win. Reserve guard Colby Carr Colby finished with career-highs in points (12) and rebounds (7). The Warhawk’s top player is undoubtedly 5th year senior guard Tony Hooper. Hooper, who is nine steals away from the all-time program record, ranks 40th nationally in three point percentage at 43.2%. ULM enjoys a ULM 201-151 rebounding advantage against opponents over the last five contests, and 3.3 more per outing in league play. Junior Forward Rudy Turner (59.8% FG) is a load down low at 6′-8″, 285 lbs, and is one of the Belt’s largest big men. The Warhawks consistently go deep into the bench with nine players seeing double digit minutes of action. FAU at a Glance After handily defeating the Trojans of Troy on Thursday night, and snapping a five game losing streak, the Owls conclude a four game home series at FAU Arena on Saturday. FAU is hopeful to finish at 2-2 despite dropping close contests to Hofstra and South Alabama by a combined total of just seven points. Coach Jarvis shook up the starting rotation with the insertion of Alex Tucker on Thursday – a move which paid dividends defensively. Brandon Hazzard, the Belt’s leading scorer coming into the game with 18.9 ppg, was held to just 11 points for the night. Ray Taylor, despite his point production as of late, continues to find his way into Jarvis’ preferred role of a talented distributor – and one who can connect with the rim when needed. This is key for the Owls to move forward and grow as a young team. Upon observance without an official count, FAU has tallied more flushes midway through the 20009-10 season than the last three seasons combined. Sanchez Hughley proves to be a bright spot for the Owls. The junior guard had his best outing on Thursday and finished with career highs in both points (19) and rebounds (11). He’s been tough to handle off the dribble as of late, and should be fun to watch down the stretch of the conference schedule. Latest Line : FAU -6.5 Owl’s Nest Prediction The line opened at -4 for FAU, and was surprised by that. Not because the Owls were favored, but because they were only favored by that much. FAU simply is a better team in most facets, and its no surprise betters quickly took advantage of the opportunity to run it up. The Warhawks shoot slightly better from the floor (+3.7%). But FAU is clearly the leader versus opponents in defensive efforts (-3.9% FG), rebounds (+4.7 pg), points scored (+3 pg), steals (+2.6 pg), and assists (+4.3). This all spells one thing, and one thing only: a “W”. Owls move to 3-2 in league play on Saturday. FAU -7
