FORT MYERS, Fla. – The No. 7 Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball team (10-2) will travel to Fort Myers to take on FGCU (5-9) on Saturday evening. Tip off will be at 7 p.m. and aired on ESPN+.
This will be the Owls’ first official visiting game and final non-conference matchup of the regular season.
Florida Atlantic’s 2023-24 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
| No. 7 Florida Atlantic (10-2) at FGCU (5-9) | |
| Game Details | Saturday, Dec. 30 | 7 p.m. (EST) | Alico Arena | Fort Meyers, Fla. |
| Game Coverage | Live Stats | ESPN+ | Game Notes |
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| FGCU Links | Roster | Schedule | News |
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LAST TIME OUT
The Owls became the talk of the basketball world following their thrilling 96-95 victory over No. 4 Arizona (9-2) in double overtime at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. This marked the highest ranked program win for Florida Atlantic in school history. The Owls stormed back from an early 14-point deficit and hit clutch shots throughout in a 50% shooting afternoon from the field. Junior guard Johnell Davis led the way with a season high 35 points, nine rebounds, and three steals while senior guard Jalen Gaffney tied his career high with 20 points on 7-13 shooting and added five rebounds and four assists. The Owls were named team of the week by the Associated Press and are now ranked No. 7 in the AP Poll (their highest ranking in school history), and No. 6 in the Coaches’ Poll as well as in the NET rankings.
STATS & NOTES
- Davis, the team leader in points per game (16.3), rebounds per game (7.1), and total steals (22) racked up several weekly honors including the AAC Player of the Week, AP National Player of the Week, and Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week. The junior guard also became a member of the Florida Atlantic 1,000 points club in the win, now at 1,008
- Junior center Vlad Goldin, the nation’s leader in field goal percentage at 74.2%, stands at exactly 500 career rebounds as an Owl after recording three against Arizona
- With their packed non-conference schedule coming to an end, Florida Atlantic proved they belong on any stage, taking down some of the toughest opponents in the nation. They had the third toughest schedule based on past opponents winning percentage that included two victories over AP ranked opponents (No. 12 at the time Texas A&M and No 4. Arizona)
- The Owls have reached 90+ points in six out of 12 games, already matching the previous season’s mark
- FAU has shot over 50% from the field in eight out of their 10 wins. The team ranks No. 10 in the nation in field goal percentage
UPCOMING
It will be a quick turnaround into conference play for the Owls. Florida Atlantic will host their first American Athletic Conference matchup against ECU (7-5) on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. EST. The game will air on ESPN2.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
To stay up to date on all things FAU men’s basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.
