LAS VEGAS, Nev. – It was a historic Saturday afternoon for the No. 14 Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball team (10-2), taking down the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats (9-2), 96-95, in a thrilling double overtime victory.
Betting on the Owls was a smart move at T-Mobile Arena, who continue to disprove what was previously thought to be unbelievable. In the biggest regular season win in FAU history and their first over a nationally ranked top five team, Florida Atlantic battled back from a 14-point deficit. It was a game of runs, with the Owls constantly knocking in a succession of clutch shots to keep the game alive and ultimately in their favor.
While Florida Atlantic showcased their typical offensive balance with nine of 10 players scoring, it was junior guard Johnell Davis, one-off his career high with 35 points, who led the way. Senior guard Jalen Gaffney tied his career high with 20 points.
Florida Atlantic’s 2023-24 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
FIRST HALF
In the game of runs, FAU quickly fell behind by double digits before a 15-6 run put the team right back in the mix. Davis and junior guard Alijah Martin made timely steals to slow the Wildcats’ momentum, recording two apiece.
The defense came alive as the Owls would hold the Wildcats without a field goal for the final four minutes, sending Florida Atlantic to the locker room trailing 37-31.
SECOND HALF
A 16-4 start to the half gave the Owls their first lead of the afternoon, highlighted by a lob pass from Davis to Vlad Goldin.
After Bryan Greenlee found the hoop on the driving layup to put the Owls up 54-47 with just under eight minutes to play, Arizona went on a run to take a three-point lead with under five minutes to go. Martin would respond with a triple, one of multiple clutch moments, and Davis would find his way inside for the score for a 69-67 lead.
In the closing minutes, the game of runs would become the game of will. Arizona retook a two-point lead with a little over a minute remaining. With the game on the line and the ball in the hands of the Owls, a missed three-pointer found its way to Gaffney on the offensive rebound, who found Goldin wide open for the one-handed jam with just seven seconds on the clock to send the game in overtime tied 73-73.
OVERTIMES
From the overtime tip off, the Owls continued to make the big buckets in big moments. Davis quickly found his way inside for the opening score, while Martin swished a tough fadeaway three-pointer to take a three-point lead.
While a cutting Davis would find the bucket to put the Owls up by two with just 10 seconds left, Arizona tied it up on free throws to give the game another five minutes.
The second overtime was more of the same, led by Gaffney with seven of the team’s 12 points, including a three that turned a two-point advantage into a five-point lead.
It ultimately came down to a defensive possession, where a three-point attempt by Arizona rolled to the Owls at the buzzer to give them the hard-fought, well-deserved victory.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Dusty May
“Very resilient group. When I looked at them in the eyes at the end of regulation and the first overtime, they are fearless. The moment is never too big. If a team is going to beat us, it is going to be because they outplay us and not because of the moment. These guys are competitors and hoopers.”
Junior Guard Johnell Davis
“In the huddle with the team, I just kept telling them to believe, believe, believe that we were going to come out with the W.”
STATS & NOTES
- The Owls have come back from a double digit deficit in two consecutive wins
- This was the first overtime game for Florida Atlantic since Feb. 11, 2023, and the first double overtime game since Dec. 14, 2018
- Davis’ 35 points were the most by an Owl this season and tied for fifth most in a game in FAU history. His 15 field goals made were the second most in a game by an Owl. He also recorded a team-high nine rebounds
- Gaffney’s 20 points came on 7-13 shooting, also adding five rebounds and four assists
- With 96 points, the Owls now have six games with 90+ points on the season, tying the mark of the previous season
- Florida Atlantic shot 50% from the field for the eighth time this season and held their opponent to under 40% shooting (36%) for the sixth time
- The Owls put forth one of their top free throw shooting performances of the season, going 80% from the line (16-20)
UP NEXT
The Owls will have one last non-conference game: a road matchup against Florida Gulf Coast (5-9) on Saturday, Dec. 30. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
To stay up to date on all things FAU men’s basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.
