3/16/2024 | Men’s Basketball | Box Score
FORT WORTH, Texas. – Florida Atlantic’s men’s basketball team fell to Temple, 74-73, in the closing seconds of the 2024 American Athletic Conference Tournament’s semifinals on Saturday evening.
The Owls of Florida Atlantic led through much of the first half but found themselves playing from behind in the final minutes. But FAU never quit, as a rally from eight points down ended in a one-point loss. Junior center Vlad Goldin had yet another 20+ point outing, tying his career high with 23.
Florida Atlantic remains in position for an at-large bid in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
FIRST HALF
Defense was on display once again for the Florida Atlantic Owls early on, holding Temple to just three makes on their first 20 shot attempts. FAU made quick work on the boards with 21 in the first half led by junior guard Alijah Martin’s seven.
A 12-0 run gave Florida Atlantic a double-digit lead. Goldin appeared to be unguardable in the paint, racking up scores no matter how many different defenders were on him. He would score 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting in the opening frame.
The first half was ultimately a decisive advantage for the Owls of Florida Atlantic, entering the locker room with a 33-25 lead.
SECOND HALF
Temple found their three-point stroke to bring them right back in it and then some. Before they knew it, FAU found themselves trailing by eight with just under eight minutes remaining.
Never being a team that gives up, Florida Atlantic battled their way back. More often than not, the ball ended up in the hands of Co-AAC Player of the Year Johnell Davis, who calmly scored nine of the team’s next 11 points to ease the deficit and tie the game at 64 with three minutes left.
But the momentum once again shifted towards Temple, who built back up a six-point lead with only 45 seconds on the clock. Yet again, FAU came storming back with a quick score inside followed by three free throws from Davis.
In the final seven seconds, Temple missed two free throws with a one-point lead, allowing Florida Atlantic to sprint to the other end of the court, but they could not get a shot off before time expired.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Dusty May
“First of all, hats off to Temple. They played with great physicality, they were determined, they were together, and they made some big-time plays and there’s a reason they will be playing tomorrow, because they came out here and played really, really well for four games in four
days. So I wish we had a little more time, but like I said, hats off to Temple.”
Junior Center Vlad Goldin
On going against Temple’s defense
“They were doubling sometimes. I tried to shoot as quick as I can, so I don’t face double teams and don’t shoot over two people. But my goal was just to get as deep a position as I can and just shoot hooks and lay-ups and floaters.”
STATS & NOTES
- Goldin tied his career high of 23 points for the third time this season. He has scored 20+ points in nine of his last 11 games
- Davis scored 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting, going 5-for-7 in the second half
- The team shot 54% from the field, their best against a conference opponent
- For the second straight game, the Owls of Florida Atlantic had a huge advantage inside, outscoring Temple 40-22 in the paint
- FAU recorded a season high six blocks. Sophomore forward Brenen Lorient had three to set a new career high
UP NEXT
The Owls await their NCAA Tournament fate on Selection Sunday as they look to go dancing for the second straight season.
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 2023-24 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
