| BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball won its final home game prior to the break, nearly doubling Florida Tech in the second half on the way to a 78-55 win on Abessinio Court inside FAU Arena. QuotableHead Coach Dusty May: “After a sluggish first half, our guys came out in the second half with a purpose, to set the tone defensively and from a competitive spirit standpoint. Very proud of them for rallying together and playing the right way in the second half.” The Beginning The Owls (7-5) and Panthers were tied with just under seven minutes to play in the opening frame, before the home team tallied the next 10. After five in a row by FT, FAU scored four of the final six points at the half to lead 42-35. The Turning Point FAU quickly seized the momentum out of the locker room, putting together a 12-2 run, made up of a Bitumba Baruti 3-pointer, a Baruti dunk, Alijah Martin’s fifth ‘3’ of the night, and back-to-back breakaway layups by Michael Forrest and Bryan Greenlee. After a Panther basket, Forrest and Greenlee knocked down consecutive 3-pointers for a 21-point, 60-39 advantage. The Finish That edge was extended with five more points for the Owls, making it a 23-4 second half start. FAU made eight of their first 10 shots in the second half and 4-for-5 from 3-point range. The lead would get as high as 27, and at the final horn, would be 23. Owl the Stats The Owls’ four double-figure scorers – Martin (17), Forrest (17), Baruti (13) and Greenlee (12) – outscored the Panthers in total by fourMartin tied his career high with five 3-pointersForrest had five rebounds and a team-high four assists, along with tying Martin for the team lead in pointsBaruti had his best game, statistically, since the season opener with his 13 – including three rim-rattling dunks – and finishing just one rebound shy of a double-double with his game-nine boardsGreenlee – held scoreless in the first 20 minutes – made all five shots he took in the second half towards his dozenAll 11 Owls that dressed made their way into the scoring columnThe Owls outrebounded the Panthers, 44-35. After Baruti’s nine, Vladislav Goldin had seven, Johnell Davis six and Forrest and Giancarlo Rosado came in with five apieceThe FAU defense forced 16 turnovers, and offense committed just fiveWhat’s NextThe Owls are on the road next, Tuesday, Dec. 21, in North Carolina against High Point. After a short holiday break, Conference USA play follows, with a weekend doubleheader at home, versus Charlotte (Dec. 30) and Old Dominion (Jan. 1). For tickets, click HERE or call 1-866-FAU-OWLS. Follow the Owls For the most up-to-date information on the squad, follow along on Twitter (@FAUMBB), Instagram (@FAUMBB) and Facebook (FAU Men’s Basketball). |
