Rick Henderson: January 2009 Archives

Finally in the Win Column

Florida Atlantic picked up its first win of the year in Sun Belt play and stomped out a thirteen game losing streak tonight handily defeating the University of Louisiana-Lafayette 63-47.

FAU raced out to a 12-3 lead early on in the first. 

The Cajuns turned up the defensive heat and cut the deficit to two on a dunk by forward Lamar Roberson, holding the Owl's scoreless for a number of minutes, until they then caught stride again.

Neither team shot particularly well during the period, but Florida Atlantic enjoyed a 5 point advantage at the half.

Things got started in the second half they way the did in the the first, with FAU coming out of the break on a 6-0 run.

The Cajuns tried to slow them down by using mass substitutions, bringing five fresh sets of legs into the game at a time, but to no avail.  

That's when the Owls flew in for the kill, taking a commanding 46-27 lead with 9:59 to play.  The lead was never in jeopardy and never slipped below double digits.

Louisiana-Lafayette shot a ridiculous 5.3% from down town for the night, and simply could not buy a shot. Not one player for the Cajuns reached double figures.  Their top scorer was Lamar Roberson, who had 8 points.

Florida Atlantic, for the first time in what seems like forever and a day was not in foul trouble.  'Well, when you get in foul trouble...I guess you learn how to do it after awhile", offered Jarvis afterwards.  Here was his take on the win:

UL (7-13) @ FAU (4-18)
Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009
7:00 PM EST


MEDIA COVERAGE

640 AM with audio links available via FAUSPORTS.com.  Ken LaVicka (play-by-play) will call the games for WFTL on Thursday.  Live scoring via GAMETRACKER and an additional video feed can also be accessed on FAUSPORTS.com.

Radio Link:

Radio Broadcast: FOX 640AM - FAU vs ASU 5:00PM


GAME PROMOTIONS

The first 100 FAU students will receive a FREE voucher good for a hot dog, popcorn or nachos.  The first 200 fans will receive a FREE Amp Energy drink.

THE SERIES

Louisiana-Lafayette led FAU by 23 at halftime and went on to beat the Owls 71-52 last season at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette (12/29/07). The two teams have met just twice. FAU's 75-72 victory in Boca Raton (1/27/07) two years ago puts the all-time series even one game apiece.


LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE AT A GLANCE

The Rajin' Cajuns (7-12) knocked off South Alabama 67-65 at home last weekend and will travel to Middle Tennessee State before visiting South Florida for a single-game with FAU. The Cajuns will have played 8 of 11 on the road in the month January after Saturday night's game in Boca Raton. ULL finished last season 15-15 and 7-11 in the SBC. The Cajuns - who have also been hit by the injury bug this year - has returned to full strength. The team makes over seven 3-pointers per game. 6-foot-7 freshman Travis Bureau has made 45 triples this season and ranks 45th in the NCAA in 3-point makes per game (2.9).

FAU AT A GLANCE

The Owls (4-18) are still in search of its first Sun Belt win (0-10). A promising start to the season has seen preseason Sun Belt "Player of the Year," senior forward Carlos Monroe, play in just six games and the team's most productive player, sophomore guard Xavier Perkins, sidelined after Game 8 to focus on academics. Freshmen Alex Tucker - 2nd in the Sun Belt in assists (4.8 pg) - and Shavar Richardson (11.8 ppg) have emerged as two of the league's best young guards. Rookie classmate, forward Chris Watson (.544 FG%), has joined Tucker and Richardson has a regular in FAU's starting lineup. Senior PG Carderro Nwoji (10.0 ppg) and high-scoring guard Paul Graham III (16.8 ppg) provide experience to an FAU team that has been competitive in all but one game this season - making its 4-17 record a bit misleading.  Sophomore F/C Brett Royster needs just 12 blocks to break FAU's single-season record.  Royster leads the league in blocks (47) and ranks No. 37 in the NCAA.


PROBABLE STARTERS

Louisiana-Lafayette

1 Tyren Johnson F 6-8 195

33 Chris Gradnigo F 6-7 215

42 Courtney Wallace C 6-8 238

22 Travis Bureau G 6-7

55 Ryan McCoy G 6-0 175

Florida Atlantic

1 Shavar Richardson G 6-2 165
5 Alex Tucker G 5-11 160
12 Carderro Nwoji G 5-11
3 Chris Watson F 6-6 210
40 Brett Royster F 6-8 220


LATEST LINE

FAU - 1


OWL NEST PREDICTION

The Owls give up some size in this one, but the Cajuns don't have a formidable presence inside the post.  Once again, it should come down to the wire, and the need for more consistent shooting from the floor.  Seems like we have watched a lot of those lately.  If this finally happens, the streak will end. 

FAU - 3

Rohnert Seals Two Quality Wins  for the Pioneers

Denver's recent streak of bad luck in close games came to an end last weekend against East with a 78-74 win at home over Western Kentucky.  The Hilltoppers pulled within two points in the final minute last Saturday, but Denver's Brian Stafford connected on a bounce pass to cutting teammate Nate Rohnert for a backdoor layup. This put the Pioneers up by four points with 13 seconds left to finish off the Toppers.  WKU saw its four game winning streak come to an end.  On thier next outting, Rohnert struck again, scored 12 points, and made the game-winning basket with five seconds left to lead the Pioneers to a 56-54 victory over South Alabama at Magness Arena.

"We've been playing well every game for the past three weeks, but tonight at those critical moments we made the shots and didn't turn the ball over...I thought our big turning point could be a win on the road, but why can't it be beating the class of our conference at home?", said Denver Coach Joe Scott.

Troy Exceeding Expectations

When you think of the East, you think Western Kentucky.  Middle Tennessee.  South Alabama.  But Troy?  Yep, the Trojans are in a dog fight for the top spot in the East and have far exceeded pre-season expectations on all levels and are off to the best start in league play since joining the Sun Belt.  The success comes as a shock since Troy lost all five starters from last season's 12-19 squad and was picked by the league's coaches to finish last in the division.

Jarvis Whacked With Three Technical's

After an errant out of bounds call under the basket where the referee awarded  the Louisiana-Monroe the ball, FAU head coach Mike Jarvis could not contain his frustration.  The FAU bench was immediately hit with a technical for vocal objection (which could have been him).  Jarvis, who continued to protest, was then hit with three successive technical fouls on his own.  As a result, FAU suspended Jarvis for it's next game versus John Brady's squad - which was billed to be the leagues most high profile coaching match-up at the start of the season. 

Tidbits from Around the League

Florida International has been whacked by the injury bug yet once again. Florida State transfer Josue Soto (thumb) and preseason all-conference center Russell Hicks (stress fracture) finally returned to action but then star freshman center Freddy Asprilla (back spasms) then missed the last two games. Currently, Asprilla leads the Sun Belt in rebounding .

New Orleans beat MTSU, 69-65, Saturday despite having only seven scholarship players and one walk-on available. Point guard Darrian McKinstry, second in the league in steals, has been suspended for the second time in less than a month.

Florida Atlantic saw its losing streak grow to a concerning 13 games at the  hands of poor shooting, dropping yet another to the Trojans of the University of Arkansas-Little Rock by a final score of  59-66.  The Owls are down to eight scholarship due to injuries and academic problems.  Preseason all-conference forward Carlos Monroe is expected to miss at least another week due to a chronic heel problem.

Arkansas State forward Eric McKinney, who leads the SBC in blocks per game,  was suspended indefinitely for missing the second half of a recent 60-57 loss to MTSU.  According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, McKinney ripped off his jersey in reaction to being benched by John Brady  late in the first half.   He did not return to the bench after the half time break.  Brady said McKinney could return to the team if he meets a certain set of criteria.

That's the Stat Jack

The Denver Pioneers, despite their recent quality home wins, have lost 40 straight on the road.  Ouch!

Game of the Week

Sat, Feb 7^th            South Alabama @ Western Kentucky             1:00PM CST         ESPN

Inquiring Minds Want to Know:  When Will it End?

Owls Continue to Improve in Secondary Recruiting

Florida Atlantic continues to build an impressive incoming class within the Secondary despite not meeting the industry web standards of "stars" to go along with the rapidly growing list of quality talent it is collecting.

Hands down, this is shaping up to be the best Secondary class FAU will have enjoyed to date.  And with the continued defensive line concerns, which we hope will enjoy the same success in recruiting, is a welcomed addition to the roster.

One of the recent additions to this growing list is Keith Reaser, the first cousin of the late and great Sean Taylor who died tragically at the hands of senseless violence.

Reiser is truly a talented "diamond in the rough".  FAU seems to have a keen eye for picking up this caliber and type of player; although Reaser did not go unnoticed having received full ride offers from a number of Sun Belt schools and also NC State of the Atlantic Coast Conference.  

Here is a highlight video of the skills Reaser brings with his recent verbal commitment to FAU.

You can also check out an ESPN grading and a full write up on Keith from Florida Football here.

Thanks goes out to our newest Owl's Nest Team Member and Recruiting Corespondent, Jared Bordin, for this information.

FAU (14-6) @ FAU (4-17)
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009
7:00 PM EST


MEDIA COVERAGE

640 AM with audio links available via FAUSPORTS.com.  Ken LaVicka (play-by-play) will call the games for WFTL on Thursday.  Live scoring via GAMETRACKER and an additional video feed can also be accessed on FAUSPORTS.com.

Radio Link:

Radio Broadcast: FOX 640AM - FAU vs ASU 5:00PM


THE SERIES

The Trojans lead the all-time series with FAU 2-1 after claiming two wins over the Owls last season, including a 66-60 victory in the second round of the SBC Tournament at the Mitchell Center in Mobile (3/9/08). Earlier in the year UALR posted an 80-76 win over the Owls in Little Rock (1/27/08) despite 17 points and seven rebounds by FAU PG Carderro Nwoji. FAU won the first-ever meeting between the schools, a 75-71 decision in Boca Raton (1/27/07).


UALR AT A GLANCE

The Trojans are beginning a stretch of playing 4 of 5 on the road, and saw their five-game win streak come to an end Saturday night with a 63-58 loss to Troy at the Jack Stephens Center. Troy (11-10, 6-3) extended its win streak to four games by holding UALR to a .344 field goal percentage, including a 6-of-23 effort from three-point range.  Senior Shane Edwards averaged team highs of 21.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last week, following up Thursday's career-high 23-point performance at South Alabama with a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double against Troy.   Edwards has scored in double figures in nine of the team's last 10 games, and is averaging a team-high 14.7 points per game in conference action.


FAU AT A GLANCE

The Owls (4-17) are still in search of its first Sun Belt win (0-9). A promising start to the season has seen preseason Sun Belt "Player of the Year," senior forward Carlos Monroe, play in just six games and the team's most productive player, sophomore guard Xavier Perkins, sidelined after Game 8 to focus on academics. Freshmen Alex Tucker - 2nd in the Sun Belt in assists (4.8 pg) - and Shavar Richardson (11.8 ppg) have emerged as two of the league's best young guards. Rookie classmate, forward Chris Watson (.544 FG%), has joined Tucker and Richardson has a regular in FAU's starting lineup. Senior PG Carderro Nwoji (10.0 ppg) and high-scoring guard Paul Graham III (16.8 ppg) provide experience to an FAU team that has been competitive in all but one game this season - making its 4-17 record a bit misleading.  Sophomore F/C Brett Royster needs just 12 blocks to break FAU's single-season record.  Royster leads the league in blocks (47) and ranks No. 37 in the NCAA.


PROBABLE STARTERS

UALR Trojans

11 Lionel Foster G 6-1 200 Fr.-HS Houston, Texas 1.9 ppg • 1.2 apg
3   Steven Moore G 6-0 176 Jr.-2L Little Rock, Ark. 13.5 ppg • 3.7 apg
21 John Fowler F 6-4 210 Sr.-1L Blytheville, Ark. 10.4 ppg • 5.9 rpg
0   Shane Edwards F 6-7 212 Sr.-1L Gilbert, Ariz. 11.2 ppg • 4.8 rpg
5 LaMarvon Jackson F 6-6 205 Sr.-1L Ashford, Ala. 1.4 ppg • 1.8 rpg

Florida Atlantic

1 Shavar Richardson G 6-2 165 Fr.-HS Brooklyn, N.Y. 11.8 ppg • 39 3FGs
5 Alex Tucker G 5-11 160 Fr.-HS San Pedro, Calif. 6.6 ppg • 4.8 apg
12 Carderro Nwoji G 5-11 175 Sr.-1L Wichita, Kan. 10.0 ppg • 3.8 rpg
3 Chris Watson F 6-6 210 Fr.-HS Daytona, Fla. 4.2 ppg • 3.7 rpg
40 Brett Royster F 6-8 220 So.-1L Arlington, Texas 6.3 ppg • 5.2 rpg


LATEST LINE

N/A (will update when available)


OWL NEST PREDICTION

UALR is obviously a top tier SBC team, and is very well rounded with three startes in double figures.  They are going to be a tough opponent.  The Owls just doesn't have the reserves to stay in late developing ball games, and will need to establish a lead early and hang on to it.  The Trojans continue to be without their main low post precense in Mike Smith (6-7, 295) and that will help the Owls cause dramatically.  The match-ups are consistent.

Calling for, what will assuredly be, an upset when the official line is announced.

FAU - 3

Hard Fought Battle "Falls Just Short"

"It's a unique opportunity...wish the circumstances were different...we're going to be in the game...hopefully we'll find a way to make the big play", offered Mike Jarvis II prior to tonight's contest.  Sure enough, it would come down to the waining seconds, the need for a big play, and an aggressive play call on his behalf to go for the win rather than the tie.  But it would not end the way he hoped, as the Owls lost 60-62 to the RedWolves of Arkansas State . 

The Owls traveled into Jonesboro, AR to take on John Brady's RedWolves without their usual leader in Head Coach Mike Jarvis, who is serving a one game suspension due to technical fouls issued in a recent loss to Louisiana-Monroe last Thursday night. 

The contest was initially billed to be a coaching showcase for the Sun Belt given the major success of both Jarvis, having led three different programs into the NCAA Tournament during stops, and John Brady, who spent the last 10-plus seasons serving as LSU's head coach, leading the Tigers to six postseason berths.

So, the substitution match-up of Jarvis II and Brady was set.

Each team utilized a smaller line-up starting three guards, as Arkansas State forward Eric McKinney, who leads the conference in blocked shots, was sidelined due to suspension.

This played into the Owls hands well initially, as ASU held a slim advantage all the way to the 4:30 mark of the first period when the Owls scrapped their way to a tie.  Inserting a larger low post line-up, ASU would respond with a 10-0 run.  FAU's shooting cooled off considerably to end the half.  They did not score in the final 3:30, and trailed 25-35 at the break.

The Owls were in foul trouble again to start the second, as Brett Royster followed a power slam with his fourth personal less than 2 minutes in.

But FAU would make some headway against the deficit midway through the second behind a 7-0 run with baskets by from Graham, Coleman and Richardson; eventually working the lead down to just two points with just over three minutes to play.

ASU ran the lead back to six until Carderro Nwoji, who was 0-6 in the first, hit a three to bring the Owls back to within 3.  Richardson followed that with one of his own after an ASU score.

With :41 remaining ASU was content to use clock but it backfired, when they missed their low post attempt by Yima Chia-Kur.

Only down by 2, and with :18 seconds left, Tucker begin to set up what appeared to be a three point play to get the ball to Paul Graham for the winning shot.  But, surprisingly, time just wound down.  When Graham finally got the ball, with only seconds left, he dribbled around at the top of the perimeter and was only able to loft a desperation shot that fell just short as time expired.

Yima Chia-Kur lead State with 26 points and 12 rebounds.  FAU had no answer for him.

For FAU, it was Tucker.  In his most well rounded game as an Owl, he finished with 16 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Shavar Richardson added 16, while Paul Graham finished with 8 points, on 4-17 shooting.

The Saga Continues

Losing streaks are a part of sports.  But let's face it:  No one wants to be a part of them.  Putting one behind you is a tough and daunting task at times.  FAU seems to have met a formidable one; to say the least.

The Owls fought back hard, and late, but fell to the Warhawks of the University of Louisiana-Monroe by a final score of 88-94 before an announced crowd of 764 tonight in Boca Raton. 

ULM threw down two dunks to start the game, which could have been an early indicator of the night to follow, but FAU trotted out to a 16-8 advantage at the 12:00 minute mark prompting Monroe's Orlando Early to call time.  It worked.  They went on an 11-3 run to tie the game mostly at the hands of Rudy Turner; all 6-8, 275 lbs of him.

The Warhawks took their first lead with 3:50 to play.

Then some major drama ensued at the expense of Coach Jarvis.  After an obvious missed out of bounds call under the basket where the referee awarded ULM the ball, Jarvis could not contain his frustration.  The FAU bench was hit with a technical for vocal objection, and then Jarvis and was hit with three successive technical fouls on his own.  This sent the Warhawks to the line for 8 free throws and the ball.  They converted on 7 of 8, and as a result, took a 42-34 lead into the locker room.

Things would not fair any better for FAU early in the second as ULM came out ready to play and extended its half time to lead 17.

The Owls had seen enough at this point, responded with a 6-0 run, and would not go away; chipping at the seemingly insurmountable deficit behind the spectacular second half scoring of Paul Graham (29 points, 23 in the second), pulling to within 2 repeatedly with just under 1:30 to go.

The score see sawed between 2 and 4 points as FAU just could not find a turnover to give them the chance at the lead.

Ironically, the Owls out shot the Warhawks on the night connecting on 53.2% of their shots to that of 44.1% for Monroe.  They also won the turnover battle.

Shavar Richardson was on fire from all over the court.  He was perfect from long range, and connected on 8 of 12 shooting from the field.

Alex Tucker had an impressive 11 assists to go with 12 points.

But the "bottom line" was the foul line.  ULM went to the stripe a staggering forty five times.  Seven of which were at the hands of technical fouls, and should have never been taken.

ULM was lead by Rudy Turner, who finished with 23 points, and 11 rebounds.

The slide now stands at 11 straight, and drops FAU to 4-16, and 0-8 in Sun Belt play.

When will it end?

No one knows at this point.  But, to quote Bobby Bowden:

"Yes, this too shall pass".

"Weird Wild Stuff"

The late great Johnny Carson would have loved tonight's venue.  Here are four observations from tonight that were of note:

• Four technical fouls on one play
• No Dirty Birds (well, just three of them)
• Mary Carey on hand
• The Owls drop their 11^th in a row to the second worse team in the Sun Belt.

You are correct sir!

Parting Thought

Here is an interesting photograph.  Now, what do you think Craig Angelos is discussing with Mary Carey and, what appears to be, her agent?

ULM (5-13) @ FAU (4-15)
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009
7:00 PM EST

MEDIA COVERAGE

640 AM with audio links available via FAUSPORTS.com. Even Cohn (play-by-play) will call the game for WFTL.  Sanchez Hughley will provide color analysis.  Live scoring via GAMETRACKER and an additional video feed can also be accessed on FAUSPORTS.com.

Radio Link

Radio Broadcast: FOX 640AM - ULM vs FAU 7:00PM

GAME PROMOTIONS

All kids wearing their youth league basketball jersey receive $1 admission... "All-U-Can-Eat" Reserved Seats (hot dog, nachos, popcorn and soft drinks) are just $10... FREE food vouchers good for a hotdog, popcorn or nachos for the first 100 FAU students... FREE Drink for the first 100 fans. For tickets or more information call 1-866-FAU-OWLS.

THE SERIES

The Owls are  2-0 all-time versus ULM, having played played ULM once in each of the past two years. FAU overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to beat ULM 77-72 last season in Monroe . Sanchez Hughley - who is sitting out this season due to injury - scored a career-high 18 points for FAU in that win last year. FAU won the first-ever meeting between the two schools, 73-62, in Boca Raton on January 24, 2007.

FAU AT A GLANCE

The Owls had started the season 3-1 for the first time in its 15-year Division I history but have since lost 14 of 15.  Point guard Carderro Nwoji is scoring a team-high 15.6 ppg in the Owl's last five games.  Overall leading scorer Paul Graham III (16.6 ppg) is expected to play Thursday after sitting out Saturday's game at UNT.  The Owls had just three available bench players during a 69-60 setback at North Texas on Saturday, one of which included walk-on Chris Coleman (8 points, 7 rebounds) . Depleted by injury and eligibility, first-year head coach Mike Jarvis inherited a team that is currently without three of its top players, including preseason Sun Belt Conference "Player of the Year" Carlos Monroe (injured), sophomore guard Xavier Perkins (eligibility) and returning starter Sanchez Hughley (INJ). Brett Royster is coming off his first career double-double, finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks against UNT.  He currently ranks second in the league in blocked shots per game (2.21).

ULM AT A GLANCE

Former Alabama assistant Orlando Early is in fourth season as ULM head coach. Two years ago Early was named the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year after guiding ULM - picked to finish last in the seven-team SBC West Division - to an 11-7 divisional record and co-West Division title. However, last season ULM finished 4-14 against the Sun Belt and last in the SBC West. Similar to FAU, the Warhawks (5-13) have been successful at home, but struggle on the road. ULM brings a 14-game road losing streak into Thursday night's game and will be without senior all-conference guard Tony Hooper (INJ) for the remainder of the season.  During its non-conference schedule ULM defeated Morehead State (56-54) and Stephen F. Austin (60-58) at home while losing road games to Mississippi State (78-49) and Auburn (78-55). The Warhawks score 64.7 points per game, led by sophomore forward Gilbert Lawrence (13.8 ppg/5.7 rpg).

LATEST LINE

OWL'S NEST PREDICTION

Mirror images?  FAU has had to battle adversity all season long.  "Don't let their record fool you", or something along those lines, has been quoted more than once this season.  Like the Owls,  ULM has also had to overcome adversity.  The loss of Tony Hooper has just proved too much at times.  Recently, the Warhawks gave Arkansas State all they could handle before falling on the raod 65-62.  This was precluded by a narrow 71-70 home loss to Troy Saturday night.  Both Teams are in the same boat; or should we say basement:  Currently, FAU is last in the Sun Belt East division standings (0-7), while ULM is last in the SBC West (1-6).

However, FAU is the better Team overall.  Owl's win, and break the 10 game losing snap.

FAU -5

It's finally sinking in for most.  FAU is really struggling this year.  Chalk it up to personnel losses for the most part.  But poor shooting has played a part at times as well.

Another loss last night puts us that much closer to seasons end; and the potential for Jarvis to land his worst season as a DI Coach. 

But, let's be objective for a minute here.  The Owls do have 13 games remaining, and "should" win at least five of those.  Four of which are at home in The Burrow:

vs Louisiana-Monroe - Jan 22

vs Louisiana-Lafayette - Jan 31

vs Troy - Feb 7

vs Denver - Feb 12

@ Savannah State - Feb 18

No, nine wins would not be what any of us thought would happen at the beginning of the season. But Jarvis insists that March is what it is all about, and one has to see the truth in that.  We play these regular season games for seeding into what is really at stake here - a chance to play post-season.

There is always Hope that we will sneak up on someone come March; or at least take a top seed out of the tourney - such as MTSU, or WKU.  That would make things a little nicer.

For now we await the next opportunity to advance our cause, and shake this blasted 10 game monkey off the back.

Posted this poll at the beginning of the year and no one thought we would finish lower than 15 wins.  Wanted to post again, for new thoughts as to where we will end up.

Hoping to snap an eight game losing streak, the Owls lost to conference rival Florida International University by a final score of 53-58 before an announced crowd of 1450 tonight in Boca Raton.

FAU held the Panthers to 9 of 31 shooting during the first period, despite their game plan of going inside to big men Asprilla and Gacesa repeatedly.  Brett Royster picked up two quick fouls to start, but had 6 of the Owls first 9 points.

FAU would forge ahead by 8 on a 9-0 run lead by Carderro Nwoji beginning at the 12:30 mark.  The Panthers closed the gap to 1 on a 5-0 run of their own, but Richardson hit a big three for the last bucket of the half.  The Owls lead 30-26 at the break.

Paul Graham got things started, and got hot, for FAU in the second scoring 8 of the Owls first 11 points.

Turnovers plagued the Panthers during the course of the night; as they committed a myriad of travels, throw aways, and were tied up in jump ball situations.  The teams traded leads back and forth throughout the period with neither leading by more than 3, nor shooting well.

Down by one with just under a minute to play, Carderro Nwoji fouled Panther guard Nick Taylor underneath the basket.  Taylor went to the line but missed both free throws.  Off the rebound, Nowoji pushed the ball down the floor and dished to Graham, who got a good look from long range, but could not connect.

On the ensuing inbounds, Richardson intentionally fouled Tremayne Russell.  This time the Panthers made both.  Alex Tucker drove the court and went up for the lay in but was blocked.  FIU again went to the line, and made 1 of 2.

Graham's number was called out of the ensuing time out, but he missed underneath.

The Owl's shot just .368% from the floor for the contest, and 6 of 22 from long range.

Nikola Gacesa had a game high 17 points for FIU.  Asprilla, who came into the game averaging almost a double double per contest, had 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Shavar Richardson paced the Owls with 16 points. Brett Royster had productive night with 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

The Owls will look for their first Sun belt win when they next travel to North Texas to take on The Mean Green this Saturday at 8:00PM EST.

Western Kentucky Avoids Two Loss Road Swing

Florida Atlantic fell to the hot hands of Western Kentucky's second half shooting tonight by a final score of 78-57.

The Hilltoppers jumped out to a quick 5-3 lead to begin the night, but FAU responded with an 11-2 run to go ahead 14-7.  Two Owl turnovers allowed the Toppers back to within 2 at 9:22 mark.  They would then take the lead on back to back threes from Cvoro and Mendez. This begin an 18-2 Topper run. 

Carderro Nwoji responded with a duece at 25-18 to stop the bleeding.  He alone accounted for 15 of FAU's 27 first half point.

WKU lead 31-27 at the break, despite shooting only 31.4% from the floor during the period.

Strong play initially from both teams coming out of the break.  However that would soon change, as WKU turned up the heat midway through the second advancing thier lead to 13 at the 6:10 mark as the Owls committed consecutive turnovers, allowed too many offensive rebounds, and had difficulty making shots from anywhere on the floor.  Western Kentucky, on the other hand, connected on 59.4% of their total attempts. 

Carderro Nwoji finished with 22 points on 9 of 17 shooting for FAU - one off his season high.

Orlando Mendez-Valdez was the high scorer for Western Kentucky and finished with 21 points and 6 rebounds.

The loss drops FAU to 4-13 and 0-5 in Sun Belt play.

"Rebounds, and assists to turnovers...those two things are going to win basketball games...if you don't, you're going to lose", said Jarvis.

Rebounding and turnovers definitely played a part in this one, as Western Kentucky held a 49-31 rebounding advantage overall (mostly on the glass), and had 21 assists to that of 7 for the Owls.  But poor shooting was the ultimate downfall.  Paul Graham and Shavar Richardson were ice cold, and that was the difference maker.  They finished on a combined 5 of 27 for the game (18.5%). 

On a  more serious note, Jarvis offered that Carlos Monroe will be in a boot for "about three weeks", and will not play or practice with the team.  This would put him back sometime in early February, perhaps around the University of New Orleans road game.  The decision was made by the FAU Training Staff and Doctors, as the injury can not be addressed without complete rest.

Dirty Birds Get Some Home Court Competion of Their Own 

The WKU men's swim team was in action as the game antagonist tonight.  The Dirty Birds wasted no time sizing up the competition.  Litterally.  Appearantly, they thought it best to strip down thier speedos as a distraction for the Home Team.  Unfortunately for them, Game Operations was all over it, and quickly had them put back on their attire.  The picture has been blurred to protect the innocent.

Welcome Back Pep Band

We all missed you guys. It just isn't the same without you.

Road Woes Continue For Owls

Florida Atlantic dropped a close one tonight on the road, falling to Sun Belt Conference favorite Middle Tennessee by a final score of 59-57.

Low scoring affair throughout the first half as FAU enjoyed a 26-22 half-time advantage.  The Owls held the Blue Raiders to 8-26, 0-5 from long range, shooting during the period. 

Despite not trailing the entire contest, Middle Tennessee went ahead 55-53 at the 2:04 mark.

However, the Owls were not done, as Paul Graham was fouled with 6.7 seconds to play and converted both free throws to tie the game at 57-57.

On the resulting MTSU inbounds play, the Blue Raiders would score the game winning basket on a lay-up by Demetrius Green.

The Owls got a last chance heave from half-court from Alex Tucker, but it was off the mark.

Paul Graham, who had been hot as of late, finished the evening with 3-13 shooting from the field, and was 8-8 from the line. 

Florida Atlantic made the short road trip down to Coral Gables tonight and put up a fiesty fight in a 85-69 loss to the Hurricanes of Miami.

Without the services of Carlos Monroe (eligibility), FAU went deep into the bench for reserve minutes.  Chris Coleman (2 points, 3 rebounds), a walk-on out of Fort Lauderdale, saw significant time for the Owls to offset the lack of available players.

FAU was on fire from downtown during the first half behind Carderro Nwoji's 4-4 performance. He finished at 6-8 from beyond the arc, and with a team high 20 points before fouling out with 8:10 to play.

Miami led 38-33 at the end of the first period.

The outmanned Owls continued to hustle and challenge the Canes in the second keeping the lead to single digits until the Canes went on a 9 point run midway through the period.

Nwoji, Watson, and Royster all fouled out and FAU was forced to put Hernandez (aggravated groin) into the game given the lack of available players.  But he successfully hobbled through to the finish.

Shavar Richardson had 19 points, and Paul Graham added 16 for the Owls in the loss.

Alex Tucker had a season-high 10 assists on the night.

Miami scored 26 of thier points from the charity stripe.  

Florida Atlantic continues what seems a never ending road schedule this Thursday when they take on fellow Sun Belt Conference Eastern Division opponent Middle Tennessee.

Tip off time is 8:00PM EST.

Home Streak Ends at Three

FAU moved to 4-10, and 0-3 in SunBelt play, on the season in a  69-74 loss to Southern Alabama today in Boca Raton.

USA jumped out to a 19-13 lead at the first media stop on the first half mostly due to the hot hand of Domonic Tilford who had 12 points in the period, a game high 27 for the contest, and was 9 of 12 from the field.

Down by 11 FAU fought back and pulled to within two, completing a 12-2 run on a Royster lay-in from Tucker.  USA led at the half 32-30.

Both teams battled hard the second half with FAU pulling to within one twice early on.  USA went ahead by 6 midway throught the second as FAU cooled off briefly.  But the Owls answered back on a Monroe drive to the hoop and the free throw.

USA would pull ahead again by 8 with 3:23 to play and FAU responded with a four point run, which resulted in a USA timeout.  The Jaguars were unable to convert on the offensive end coming out of the time out and Alex Tucker proceeded to take the inbounds pass all the way in for an easy score, putting the Owls to within 2.

FAU had a chance to tie the game with 30.2 seconds but was unable to convert on a three point attempt by Paul Graham (25 points).  Carlos Monroe (21 points) gathered the rebound and kicked out to Nwoji who was spotted up, but the ball was batted away and stolen before he could get the shot attempt off.

Missed lay-ups plagued FAU throughout the contest.  In addition, the Owls did not have the usual compliment of reserves as Sammy Hernandez was out for the game with a minor groin pull, and Chris watson did not play in the second half (coach's decision).

Paul Graham was not happy with the outcome.  "The toughest thing for the night was the loss...Just really wanted to win."

"We played some great games against some great teams, and this was one of them", said Jarvis.

Howard on Hand

Howard Schnellenberger was on tap for the contest today.  Here is Howard wishing Coach Jarvis well prior to the game, and also with Spanish River Church Head Pastor David Nichols.