BOCA RATON, Fla. – The No. 23 Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball team (14-4, 4-1 AAC) came storming back in the second half to defeat Wichita State (8-9, 0-4 AAC), 86-77 on Thursday evening at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
With a double-digit comeback, the relentless Owls would not be defeated thanks to a second half that saw FAU shoot 58% from the field. The ball was put in the hands of junior guards Alijah Martin and Johnell Davis, who combined for 30 points in the final frame.
Florida Atlantic’s 2023-24 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
FIRST HALF
The Owls’ offense came alive in the middle eight of the period. It was redshirt sophomore forward Tre Carroll who helped provide the spark with eight points on his first three shots, while Martin was able to get going with multiple three-point plays at the rim.
Florida Atlantic found a lead at times but ultimately entered halftime down 42-31.
SECOND HALF
FAU was able to close the gap, keeping it within single digits throughout. Martin’s third triple of the night from the left corner gave the Owls a 69-66 lead with 5:30 to go, one they would not relinquish.
It was a perfect half for Martin, who went five-for-five from the field, four of them from beyond the arc. Four players: Martin, Davis, junior center Vlad Goldin, and redshirt sophomore guard Nick Boyd combined for the Owls’ final 30 points in a 55-point second period.
The night was capped off by Davis finding Martin for an alley-oop slam dunk in the closing 30 seconds of the game, igniting the crowd and sealing the Owls’ third straight victory, sixth straight at home.
STATS & NOTES
- With 22 points, this marked Martin’s fourth 20+ point outing of the season and 15th of his collegiate career
- Martin also led the team in rebounds (nine) and steals (3)
- Davis added seven rebounds and six assists to his 19 points
- Goldin scored 17 points and had four blocks, his second most of the season
- Florida Atlantic attacked the basket early and often, outscoring Wichita State 22-10 on fastbreak points
- This marked the third game of the season for Carroll scoring 10+ points
- The Owls move to 13-0 when holding the lead with five minutes to play
UP NEXT
Florida Atlantic will head to Texas for two road games, first against UTSA on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. EST followed by a matchup against Rice on Wednesday, Jan 24 at 8 p.m. EST.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
To stay up to date on all things FAU men’s basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.
