Three days after losing to FIU, the Florida Atlantic University mens basketball team earned its revenge with an 89-72 win over the Panthers on Saturday night. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak and improved the Owls record to 12-9 overall and 3-5 in Conference USA. The Panthers (13-8, 4-4) started fast, taking a quick 8-2 lead at the 16:34 mark. FAU scored seven straight points to take a 9-8 edge. The two teams exchanged momentum for the next several minutes before FIU went on a 7-0 run of its own to stretch its lead to 27-17. The Owls clawed their way back and after a Kevaughn Ellis block led to an Anthony Adger three that just beat the horn, held a 43-42 lead at the break. That momentum carried over to the second half, when FAU opened on an 18-3 spurt to stretch its margin to 16, 61-45. We really struggled the first 10 or 12 minutes of the game, but were able to stay just close enough and made a run right before halftime”, said Head Coach Dusty May. “Then we were able to come out and play our best basketball for the first five to 10 minutes of the second half. FIU was able to narrow the deficit to five, 71-66, but the Owls scored 17 of the games next 19 points to foil any hopes of a Panther comeback. The announced crowd of 4,710 was the largest seen by FIU for a home game in four years. Notables Anthony Adger led all players with 26 points on 5-of-8 shooting from long range Miachael Forrest pitched in 22 points and was 9-of-12 from the free throw line Forrest also added five rebounds and four steals Xavian Stapleton (pictured) posted 20 points and was 8-of-10 from the floor FAU held a 45-32 edge off the glass for the contest Niang Madiaw returned to action but was limited with six minutes of action The Owls will next return to the Burrow for Brew Night and Military Appreciation Night on Thursday, Jan. 31 when they play host Louisiana Tech at 7:00 PM. Related links: GAME WEEK THREAD: FAU vs. FIU – January 23rd & 26th, 2019 – FAU Owl’s Nest 2018-19 Florida Atlantic Men’s Basketball Schedule – FAU Owl’s Nest
