Two teams that have struggled this season met for a second time as Rice (13-13, 6-8 AAC) hosted Florida Atlantic. The last time the two teams met, FAU beat the reigning AAC champions. This time, Rice did not allow a sweep as they thumped Florida Atlantic to a 33-point victory.
First Half
Jada Moore (pictured above, FAU Athletics) opened the scoring thanks to a made layup with 8:21 left in the first. While offensively both teams started the contest slowly, Florida Atlantic led 6-2 at the media timeout. Florida Atlantic took a 10-5 lead, but Rice responded with a 9-0 run over the final 1:50. Rice led 14-10 heading into the second.
Starting the second, Rice continued their run taking a 16-10 lead. RU’s lead held at six, but after a Ta’Ziah Jenks (pictured below, FAU Athletics) FAU only trailed by four, 18-14 with 5:57 remaining. Rice gained their largest lead of the day up to that point at nine shortly after. It was 23-14 with 4:31 left in the half. The remainder of the half was all Rice Owls as they went on a 7-0 run taking a commanding 30-16 lead at the end of the first.
It was a very poor shooting half for FAU as they shot 6 of 27 from the field, and 0-8 from beyond the arc. A major deficit to overcome for a team that could not find the bottom of the net.
Second Half
FAU had a three fall early in the third, but Rice maintained control as RU led 34-20 with 6:32 left in the third. A near six-minute FG drought did not help things as Rice controlled the third leading 49-29 after three.
Florida Atlantic’s near perfect game from the previous matchup did not translate on the road as Rice’s dominant performance continued into the fourth. Rice led 58-33 with 6:55 left in the fourth. FAU had no response as the Owls from Boca finished the contest 1 of 11 from the field and lost 72-39.
39 points is the lowest Rice has allowed this season. Florida Atlantic’s offensive struggles were on full display, and shooting just 10-for-55 won’t cut it in AAC play. With the conference tournament approaching, the Owls must quickly find answers.
Owls Stat Leaders
Two FAU Owls earned double-digit points with Moore and Mya Perry earning 12 and 10 points respectively. Alana Rouser earned six rebounds as Florida Atlantic earned 34 total. As a team the Owls only had five assists.
Look Ahead
Florida Atlantic (10-17, 2-12 AAC) will travel to the Queen City as the Charlotte 49ers (8-17, 3-11 AAC) will play Florida Atlantic once again. In the two school’s previous matchup the ‘Niners pulled out the victory, 75-68. Florida Atlantic led 52-51 after three quarters, but Charlotte outscored the Owls by eight pulling off the victory. The two squads sit at the bottom of the conference, but depending on who wins and if Wichita State loses both their contests this week, then there will be a three-way tie for 11th. The jockeying for seeding continues on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 PM.
