2/8/2025 | Men’s Basketball | Box Score
TULSA, Oklahoma – The Florida Atlantic’s men’s basketball team is now winners of three straight games by over 20 points after taking down Tulsa in a 79-55 victory on Saturday afternoon.
In yet another complete game on both sides of the court, the Owls (13-10, 6-4 in American Athletic Conference play) defeated a Golden Hurricane team (9-15, 3-8 AAC) after finding early shooting success while clamping down on Tulsa’s ability to score on the outside. Junior forward Baba Miller led the way with his fifth double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds, also adding five assists while drilling all three of his attempts from downtown.
FIRST HALF
After falling behind 6-0, FAU took their first lead of the game and then some with a 13-0 run, sparked by Miller scoring seven early points. Florida Atlantic converted five of their first eight three-point attempts on the way to shooting 53% from beyond the arc in the opening period, led by graduate guard KyKy Tandy making three of his four attempts.
Not to be outdone by a strong offensive showing, the defense on the other end held the Golden Hurricane to just 26% from the field. Redshirt junior forward Tre Carroll swarmed the paint and denied Tulsa with five blocks in the first half, crushing his previous career-high of three set earlier this season.
The Owls ultimately went into the locker room with a 40-22 advantage.
SECOND HALF
Florida Atlantic took their first 20-point lead less than a minute into the final period, with Miller driving to the hoop off an offensive rebound. The game was blown further open with four consecutive Owl triples, including back-to-back from Miller, as FAU took a lead as large as 31.
It was the final 20 minutes where Miller took command of the game, hauling in nine of his 10 boards and all five of his assists coming in the second period. His versatility and athleticism were on display throughout on the way to multiple highlight-reel-worthy plays.
POSTGAME PRESSER
GALLERY
Gallery: (2-8-2025) Florida Atlantic at Tulsa
STATS & NOTES
- During their current three-game win streak, the Owls are shooting 53% from the field while holding opposing offenses to just 34%
- Florida Atlantic held Tulsa to 3-for-21 (14.3%) on three-point attempts, their best defensive mark of the season
- Tandy has converted a triple in 23 out of 24 games this season and has converted at least two in his past five games
- Freshman center Matas Vokietaitis scored 11 points while making all five of his shot attempts
- Sophomore forward Kaleb Glenn added 11 points and seven rebounds
- Seven blocks for Florida Atlantic are a season high
- The Owls dished out 21 assists to Tulsa’s nine
UP NEXT
The Owls have a quick turnaround, taking the floor on Monday, Feb. 10. Florida Atlantic will host Charlotte (8-15, 1-9 AAC) at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena for the “Sandstorm” game, airing nationally on ESPN2 with tip-off scheduled for 9 p.m. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased by calling 1-866-FAU-OWLS or visiting Ticketmaster. Also offered is a custom-designed Florida Atlantic basketball “Sandstorm” shirt, exclusive to Monday’s game and not sold in stores.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
To stay up to date on all things FAU men’s basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.
Florida Atlantic’s 2024-25 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
