3/13/2025 | Men’s Basketball | Box Score
FT. WORTH, Texas. – Florida Atlantic’s men’s basketball team is advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2025 American Athletic Conference Tournament after beating Charlotte, 64-59, on Thursday afternoon.
The No. 5 seed Owls (18-14) leaned on their frontcourt, with freshman center Matas Vokietaitis scoring a game-best 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting, along with double-digit efforts from junior forward Baba Miller and redshirt junior forward Tre Carroll, to defeat No. 13 seeded Charlotte (11-22) in the second round of the AAC Tournament.
FIRST HALF
In the game’s opening possessions, the frontcourt got off to a quick start with a cutting dunk from Miller and a spin move for the layup from Vokietaitis, the first two points of eight in a row for the freshman center. Vokietaitis found his way inside for 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting in the opening period.
A tightly contested first half saw neither team pull away for a lead more than seven points. The Owls converted their last three field goal attempts, culminating with graduate guard KyKy Tandy drilling the team’s first three-pointer of the day, and entered the locker room up 29-27.
SECOND HALF
Carroll served as the second half spark plug, coming off the bench for eight points in his first five minutes. The Owls held onto the advantage as a Miller slam dunk stretched the lead to a game-high eight points.
The 49ers cut the deficit to one with a step back three-pointer with five minutes remaining. Florida Atlantic’s offense then returned to form in the closing stretch, making five of its last seven field goal attempts. A Miller triple made it a two-possession game with over a minute left before FAU’s final five points came via free throws.
POSTGAME PRESSER
GALLERY
Gallery: (3-13-2025) Florida Atlantic vs. Charlotte
STATS & NOTES
- The Owls have held opposing offenses to under 55 points and under 40% shooting in back-to-back games.
- Florida Atlantic outscored Charlotte 42-18 in the paint.
- Vokietaitis has scored in double figures in four straight games, a career-best streak. He also added a team-high seven rebounds.
- 10 of Carroll’s 12 points came in the second half.
- The Owls recorded six blocks on the defensive end and have tallied 30 in the last four games.
- Florida Atlantic has won all three games against Charlotte in the 2024-25 season.
UP NEXT
The Owls will have no time to waste with a matchup versus No. 4 seed Tulane on Friday, Mar. 14 at Dickies Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
ALUMNI EVENTS
In Texas
Friday, March 14 – Quarterfinals vs. Tulane: Informal pregame meet up at Taco Heads (1812 Montgomery Street)*
- Freshly made tacos, ice cold cervezas and hand-crafted cocktails available for purchase before walking over to Dickies Arena for tip-off.
In Florida
Friday, March 14 – Quarterfinals vs. Tulane: Unstaffed “Where to Watch”*
- Click here to visit event page (no registration required)
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.
