| 3/1/2026 | Men’s Basketball | Box Score BOCA RATON, Fla. – Behind a game-winning layup from freshman Josiah Parker, the Florida Atlantic men’s basketball team concluded its 2025-26 home slate with a 77-76 thriller over Charlotte on Sunday afternoon on Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. Despite not having any seniors, the Owls (17-13, 9-8) held a pregame ceremony honoring their five managers for their contributions to the team before an overtime victory over the Charlotte 49ers (15-14, 9-7). With the win, Florida Atlantic secured a spot in the 2026 American Conference Tournament. FIRST HALF Junior guard Kanaan Carlyle started with back-to-back three-pointers to get the Owls on the board and take their first lead of the game. The 49ers went on a 12-2 run, but FAU did not stop back down, going on a 6-0 run with three straight field goals to close the deficit. The Owls outscored Charlotte in multiple categories (turnovers, paint, second chance, and fast break). FAU closed the first 20 minutes trailing by ten points (45-35) with Carlyle totaling 11 points. Redshirt junior Niccolo Moretti recorded seven points, and sophomore Maxim Logue was a +7 to enter the locker room with 20 minutes remaining. SECOND HALF The Owls and 49ers opened the second half going back-and-forth offensively, before a 17-1 FAU run brought the Owls all the way back, retaking the lead. Leading the way in the final 20 minutes was sophomore forward Maxim Logue. Donning his protective face mask, Logue put forth 10 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 100% from the field, helping the Owls come back in the game. With just under one minute remaining, Xander Pintelon connected on his second three-pointer of the game, giving FAU a three-point lead, 69-66. With both teams failing to convert on their next offensive possession, the 49ers had one more chance, and Damoni Harrison capitalized on a three, tying the game at 69 and sending us to overtime. OVERTIME Charlotte opened overtime scoring first before back-to-back Parker layups gave the Owls a 73-71 lead. The 49ers once again tied the game, leading to a Logue putback slam to retake the lead. Charlotte had one more punch back for the Owls, grabbing an offensive rebound and hitting a triple, giving them the lead 76-75 with five seconds remaining.FAU called a timeout and put the ball back in the hands of their freshman phenom, Parker. With 0.6 seconds left, Parker spun into the lane, laying it in to ultimately give the Owls the victory, 77-76. PRESS CONFERENCE GALLERY Gallery: (3-1-2026) MBB vs. Charlotte STATS & NOTES Carlyle once again led FAU in scoring, finishing with 19 points, while grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out four assists. For the second consecutive game, Parker flirted with a double-double, finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds, including his game-winner. Logue was a team high +22, while recording his first double-double as an Owl, with 16 points and 10 rebounds, six of them being offensive. Playing a team-high 42 minutes, Niccolo Moretti recorded 11 points. FAU held Charlotte to 26% from three. The Owls had fewer turnovers and recorded 10 more points in the paint than the 49ers UP NEXT Florida Atlantic will close the regular season on the road at Wichita State on Saturday, March 7. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on ESPNU. 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 2025-26 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura. |
