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00 Nick Neumann

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2000 - 2003

Nick Neumann scored 9 points in the Owl's lone NCAA apperance in 2002.

As part of a recent move by Head Coach Mike Jarvis to further the FAU basketball family bond, a couple of former Owl players were on hand last Satuday during the contest versus Middle Tennessee.  One of these was Nick Neumann.  Neumann played for Sidney Green from 2000-2003 and enjoyed one of his best games as an Owl in the program's lone NCAA Tournament appearance against the University of Alabama back in 2002.  The Owls kept it close to the end and had the crowd cheering thier way as the underdog.

Nick hails from Stuart, Florida and has been playing professionally overseas for the last number of years.  We caught up with him at the game and here is what he had to say about the overseas experience, and the recent transitions the Florida Atlantic Men's Basketball Program has been undergoing:

Best wishes to Nick towards his continued success both on, and off the court.

Senior Night Has Not So Happy Ending

Carlos Monroe hauled in a game high 12 rebounds for FAU 

Senior night didn't play out the way Owls fans hoped for, as Florida Atlantic fell to the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University by a final score of 68-74 before a crowd of 1,236 at FAU Arena.

Carlos Monroe got the start over Brett Royster, scoring both the Owl's first points and his first basket since retuning last Wednesday night against Savannah State.

Neither team could establish more than a two point lead early on until Shavar Richardson's three pointer from the top of the key put the Owls ahead 16-13 eight minutes into the contest.

MTSU would match that shortly thereafter, but it was nip and tuck for the reminder of the period.

Florida Atlantic lead 31-29 at the half behind a controversial call where there was an inadvertent buzzer from the sideline after Alex Tuckers wild shot underneath hit the side of the back board.

The Blue Raiders garnered the rebound and raced back for the dunk, but not before the buzzer sounded.  MTSU head coach Kermit Davis was livid and protested.  Officials put 4.3 seconds back on the clock, but Carlos Monroe stole the lob underneath and squelched the attempt.

The Owls began the second with enthusiasm and built upon their 2 point halftime lead on a thunderous dunk by Paul Graham, and solid inside defensive play by Brett Royster, pushing ahead 45-37 at the first media time-out.

The Blue Raiders went on a run of their own out of the stop to take a one point lead 46-45.  But FAU responded with a 5-0 run to regain the advantage, as MTSU starters Demetrius Green and Desmond Yates each went to the bench with four fouls a piece.

Things were all knotted up down the stretch, until MTSU pulled ahead by three with 1:35 to play.  The Owls missed on the ensuing attempt and the Blue Raiders took a commanding 5 point lead that they would not relinquish.

MTSU's Kevin Kanaskie led all scorers with a game high 24 points, and was 10-11 from the charity stripe.

FAU had led by as many as 7 points in the second period.

Senior Guard Carderro Nwoji did not play due to a hip injury.

That's the Stats Jack

• Carlos Monroe hauled in a game high 12 rebounds to go with his 4 points.

• Paul Graham led the Owls with 18 points, and added 3 assists.

• Alex Tucker had a game high 8 assists.

• FAU out shot the Blue Raiders 40.4% to 38.2%.

• MTSU went to the free throw line 37 times.

Up Next for the Owls

The Owls head to Diddle Arena this Thursday, February 26th, to take on the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky for the first of their final two regular season games.  Tip off time is scheduled for 8:00PM EST.

MTSU (15-12) @  FAU (6-22)
Saturday, FEB 21st, 2009
7:00 PM EST


MEDIA COVERAGE

Video On The Net:  Live at fausports.com

Radio: FOX 640AM - MTSU @ FAU 7:00PM

Evan Cohen and Sanchez Hughley will call the action on Saturday.


THE SERIES

Demetrius Green's layup with 2.4 seconds left allowed Middle Tennessee State to sqeak out a 59-57 win in Murfreesboro the last time the two teams met .  The Owls have played a home-and-home series with the Blue Raiders in each of the last two years.  The teams have played a total of six times.  MTSU enjoys a 5-1 all-time series edge, but three of those contests were on their home court. 

Team Site:  BlueRaiders.com 

"That is something our teams have always done, improve in February, and be the kind of team nobody wants to play because of toughness and rebounding and how we game-plan. We're not getting that", said Head Coach, Kermit Davis.  And he's right.  Due to a mediocre backcourt performance, freshman guard DeMario Williams saw his first start Feb. 14 against the North Texas Mean Green.  Forward Montarrio Haddock, a junior college transfer, has made the most of his minutes this season. He is averaging 9.4 points and a team-high 5.5 rebounds while only playing 19.5 minutes per contest.  However, foul trouble has plagued him and he has retired to the bench prematurely a whopping seven times this season.  The loss of starting center Theryn Hudson early on has also contributed to the lack of success MTSU was expected to achieve this year.  Picked to win the Eastern Division by most credible sources, the Blue Raiders are in the midst of a four game SBC losing streak that has knocked them out of contention for that title.  However, two more wins would guarantee the Blue Raiders a winning season and make Davis just the second coach in program history to produce six winning seasons in his first seven years.

FAU AT A GLANCE

PROBABLE STARTERS

MTSU

4 Calvin O'Neil F 6-4 190
5 Kevin Kanaskie G 6-2 185
11 Nigel Johnson G 6-2 185
23 Demetrius Green G 6-4 190
31 Desmond Yates F 6-7 225

Florida Atlantic 

25 Paul Graham G 6-5 190
05 Alex Tucker G 5-11 160
12 Carderro Nwoji G 5-11
03 Chris Watson F 6-6 210
40 Brett Royster F 6-8 220


LATEST LINE

MTSU - 3

OWL NEST PREDICTION

We know the drill by now.  Pual Graham, Shavar Richarson, and Carderro Nwoji need to hit on all cylinders for the Owls to pull this out.  Inside scoring, unless Monroe has had a dramatic two days of practice, and is not still tender footed, will be challenged once again.  MTSU is in a slump of their own, but will surely bring their "A Game" to the burrow tommorow night in hopes of obtaining better seeding in the tournament and to take some frustration out for the recent performances they have put up.  Not to say that the Owls won't do the same, but the home court advantage (which is desperately needed right now) has not proved a formidable sixth man for FAU in SBC play this season.  Head to head stat match-ups show us the likley outcome of this one.  However, the Owls are hopeful for an upset.

MTSU - 6

Team Continues To Press Through Difficult Season

Paul Graham led all scorers with 21 points

The season's first road win will have to come another day as Savannah State's 42-18 first half lead proved too much tonight for Florida Atlantic to overcome.  They knocked off the Owls at Tiger arena 79-66.

FAU jumped out to an 8-4 lead early on behind an unexpected fast pace for both teams, which was sloppy on both ends.

But that soon changed, as the pace slowed down considerably, and the Owls went stone cold, scoring just 12 points over the next the next 18 plus minutes.

Savannah State, however, took advantage of their scoring opportunities, behind solid shooting, and built a 24 point lead heading into the locker room up 42-18 at the break.

Florida Atlantic shot just 19.4% for the first half, and went 0 of 9 from long range.

The Owls regrouped and put up a very spirited charge in the second behind Paul Graham's hot hand, cutting the lead to just 13 with just over 9 minutes to play.

But Savannah State answered with a 4-0 run quickly to steal the momentum.

However, FAU continued to fight, diligently chipping away at the Tiger lead.  The Owls pulled to within 7 on a lay-up by Sammy Hernandez, and then 5 off of two Shavar Richardson free throws from a Tiger foul on the ensuing inbounds.

But that was as close as the Owls would get, as the Tigers took control again for good.

Carlos Monroe saw his first action for the Owls with 7 minutes to go in the first, playing the rest of the period, but did not score.  Afterwards, he appeared to favor his injured foot and would not return.

The loss drops FAU to 6-22 on the year.

Chris Linton was the Tiger's top scorer with 20 points.  He was followed by Tracy Rankins who added 17 in the win.

That's The Stats Jack

Paul Graham led all scorers with 21 points, 17 of which came in the second half.

Brett Royster was perfect from the floor (6 of 6) scoring 15 points, and added 4 blocks to continue to build upon his all time FAU single season record mark.

The Owls outscored the Tigers 48-37 in the second half behind 58.1% shooting.

FAU was 15 of 18 from the charity stripe.

Next Up For The Owls

The team returns to The Burrow this Saturday, February 21, to host the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee in the final home contest of the season.  This will also be the final home games for seniors Paul Graham, Carderro Nwoji, and Sammy Hernandez.  Tip-off time is scheduled for 7:00PM EST, but will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the preceding women's contest.

Owl Forward Hopes Return Will Help Steer the Course Towards Upset City

Carlos Monroe goe up and over FIU center Russel Hicks

It's been a long and grueling season thus far for players, coaches, and fans alike of Florida Atlantic University's men's basketball team.  Hit hard by off-the-court issues, and the injury bug, the Owls have limped through, and made the most of the situation; remaining competitive throughout most of thier games until late in the second period when exhaustion and fatigue has often set in.

However, Owl fans received good news yesterday with the long awaited return of Pre-season All SBC Forward, and all time FAU leading rebounder, Carlos Monroe - who will take to the court tonight against Savannah State. 

Having been hampered by a chronic foot injury for quite some time, Monroe was sidelined for the last month and forced to sit out the majority of the conference line-up.

At first there was dejection for Monroe, when learning of the doctors request to begin a rehab period of at least three weeks.  But, now, he is embracing circumstances and the remainder of the season with bright spirits and open arms:

"My first initial reaction was so much disappointment when I heard I was going to have to sit out with this injury.  I wanted to be completely healthy in December when I was cleared to play and it just hasn't worked out the way we've hoped. Everything happens for a reason, and maybe these last four or five games will be positive; not only for myself but for this team", said Monroe today after pre-game shoot around.

Although basketball is a big part of his life at present, Monroe has academics as his top priority.  He is on track to graduate this December.  "First and foremost, I am hoping to graduate on time," said Monroe.

But for tonight, it will be his return to the basketball court.  A time to once again stand along side his friends, team mates, and basketball family.  He is excited to return, and hopes to help lead the Owls into a successful post season appearance.  "It means I can come back and hopefully help this team, which has been so close this year, to possibly spark a run and make some noise in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. It also means a lot to be around the guys and hanging around. Simple things that are taken for granted."

FAU (6-21) @ SSU (12-14)
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009

7:00PM  EST

MEDIA COVERAGE

Radio:   FOX 640AM - FAU @ SSU 7:00PM

Ken LaVicka will call the action from Mobile on Saturday.

THE SERIES

The Owls easily beat the Tigers, 94-68, last season in Boca Raton. Paul Graham was one of five FAU players to score in double figures in that contest.  The winning-margin was FAU's largest of the season and came during a stretch where the Owls reeled off five-straight wins.  The programs have split the other two previous meetings.

SAVANNAH STATE AT A GLANCE

Team Site:  Tiger Country

The Tigers bring a 10-3 home record into Wednesday night's game.  They consistently plays low-scoring games, averaging 57.0 points per night while giving up 62.7. No player - in what has been a steady starting five - scores in double figures. Savannah State beat Sun Belt member New Orleans 54-44 at Tiger Arena earlier this season and took Michigan into overtime on the road before losing 66-64.  They also knocked off Bowling Green.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT A GLANCE

FAU has lost seven league games by nine points or fewer, including a loss at the buzzer to MTSU on January 8th.  Paul Graham enjoys a league-best 18.4 points per game, and has scored 33, 25 and 27 in the Owl's last three games. Graham has seen senior classmate and projected Sun Belt "Player of the Year" Carlos Monroe miss all but six games this year due to injury and eligibility issue. Monroe should be back in the lineup as he made the trip to Savannah.  Shavar Richardson (12.1 points p/g) is the Sun Belt's top freshmen scorer.  Brett Royster leads the SBC in blocks with 2.3 per game.  The Owls are all but assured of playing on the road (No. 13 vs. No. 4 game) in the Sun Belt Conference postseason tournament, but will look for an upset given the return of Monroe.  Pending first round opponents include Middle Tennessee State , North Texas and South Alabama.

PROBABLE STARTERS

SSU

22 Rashad Hassan F 6-7 215
24 Chris Linton F 6-6 195
20 Jovonni Schuler G 6-4
13 Anthony Jones G 6-3 190
05 Ray Bailey G 5-11 180 

Florida Atlantic

25 Paul Graham G 6-5 190
05 Alex Tucker G 5-11 160
12 Carderro Nwoji G 5-11
03 Chris Watson F 6-6 210
40 Brett Royster F 6-8 220


LATEST LINE

TBA


OWL NEST PREDICTION

The Tigers are somewhat similar to the Owls in a couple of ways:  1.  They generally play well at home, and not so well on the road.  2.  They play a half court offense similar to FAU  and have found a hard time getting it to click periodically.  But a  big difference is seen in scoring roles.  Savannah Sate displays consistent scoring across the line-up, and even two deep into the bench; while FAU generally relies on Graham and Richardson for the bigger contributions.  Royster should have another productive night inside defensively against the Tigers inside attempts, thus disrupting across the board consistency they rely on.  The Tigers will also have a hard time matching anyone up on Graham.  These two factors will hopefully give the Owls an advantage that will seal the deal for the first road win of the season.


FAU -3

Florida Atlantic saw its road loss streak grow to 14 consecutive games tonight, falling in Mobile to the Jaguars of South Alabama by a final score of 70-91.

Early on it was the "Paul Graham and Domonic Tilford" Show, with each player connecting on long range bombs. Graham had 15 of the Owls first 23 points himself.  Tilford accounted for 15 for the Jaguars during the first period.

South Alabama connected on an impressive 15 of their first 20 attempts, building as much as a 15 point lead; which began primarily when Brett Royster went to the bench with an apparent leg injury.

The Jaguars lead 46-31 at the break, shooting 74% from the field in the first half.

Chris Watson had a monster jam at the onset of the second for the Owls.  However, South Alabama would continue to build its lead off of solid shooting, leading by as much as 23 points.

Mid way through the period, the Jaguars finally began to miss a few, and that allowed the Owls to nip the lead to 11 when Shavar Richardson, who caught a hot hand of his own, connected on a series of jumpers and free throws.

Florida Atlantic had a chance to trim the lead into single digits a number of times down the last 8 minute stretch, but could not get the stops needed on the opposite end of the court - as USA continued to answer.

The loss drops FAU to 6-21 overall and 2-13 on the year in Sun Belt play.

Brandon Davis led South Alabama with 23 points behind 9 of 10 shooting.

That's the Stats Jack

The Jaguars shot an astounding 67.3% from the floor for the contest.

Shavar Richardson had a stellar performance for the Owls and finished with a career high 24 points.

Paul Graham had his second straight productive game and dropped 27 for FAU.

Game Scoring Recap

Up Next for the Owls

FAU continues its two game trip away from The Burrow this Wednesday, February 18, when they will next take on Savannah State.  The Owls are hopeful for their first win on the road since February of 2008.  Tip-off time is scheduled for 7:00PM EST.

FAU (6-20) @  USA (14-11)
Saturday, FEB 14th, 2009
8:00 PM EST


MEDIA COVERAGE

Video On The Net:  Live on Jaguar Nation at www.usajaguars.com. 

Radio: FOX 640AM - FAU @ USA 8:00PM

Steve Bishop will call the action from Mobile on Saturday.


THE SERIES

South Alabama leads the all-time series with FAU 4-1, and has won three straight against the Owls.  Most recently, South Alabama guard C.J. Garner blocked a tying 3-point attempt by FAU's Carderro Nwoji with 4 seconds left and went the length of the court to score with 1 second remaining, preserving a 74-69 win over the Owls in Boca Raton January 1st:

USA AT A GLANCE

Team Site:  www.usajaguars.com 

After losing three consecutive games at home, the Jaguars have won three in a row in front of the home fans. The team started 0-4 in league play at the Mitchell Center.  Thursday was USA's first game decided by one point since Jan. 28, 2007 (a span of 68 games). The team has played in four two-point games and four three-point games in this season alone.  South Alabama has won 10 consecutive games against Florida-based schools (4-0 in 2008-09, 6-0 in 2007-08).  Head coach Ronnie Arrow has a 9-2 overall record in February the last two years and 6-0 is at home over that span.  USA continues to lead the Sun Belt in field goal percentage defense (40.3%). It will be going against the 10th-ranked offense in terms of scoring (64.7 ppg) and 11th-ranked in field goal percentage (41.5%).  South Alabama is 12-1 when leading at halftime and 7-0 against Sun Belt teams when ahead at the break.

FAU AT A GLANCE

PROBABLE STARTERS

USA

01 DeAndré Coleman F 6-7 235
21 Brandon Davis F 6-6 205
25 Ronald Douglas F 6-5 205
03 Domonic Tilford G 5-10 170
31 C.J. Garner G 5-10 160

Florida Atlantic 

25 Paul Graham G 6-5 190
05 Alex Tucker G 5-11 160
12 Carderro Nwoji G 5-11
03 Chris Watson F 6-6 210
40 Brett Royster F 6-8 220


LATEST LINE

USA - 9

OWL NEST PREDICTION

"South Alabama is a very talented team that we could have beat (earlier in the year)...It's going to be difficult to beat them on the road", said Owl's Head Coach Mike Jarvis.  We agree.  Unless the Owls have another shooting night like they did against Denver, the "guard only" option will prove to be a very tough hill to climb given the interior defense of USA.

USA - 7

Toppers and Trojans Battle for Top Spot in the East

Orlando Mendez-Valdez scored 24 points, including going 6-for-10 on 3-pointers, to lead Western Kentucky in a 67-59 win over South Alabama on Saturday and keep them atop the SBC.  But they will face the  East Division's hottest team, Troy this Saturday at the Trojan Arena in Alabama. Each are riding on win streaks; with the Trojans having won nine in a row while the Toppers are four-deep in their own stretch.  "I would like it a little more stretched out, but it is what is. You go on the road, it's going to be tough", said Toppers Coach Ken McDonald.

West Wrapped Up in a Tight One

Keeping in line with the predicted outcome, the race for the West displays a definite lack of parity when compared to the East.  With just five games to play for all teams except New Orleans, we have a  four way tie for third, and only 1/2 game keeping the Privateers from joining them.  Don't look for that to change either any time soon, as this baby is likely to go down to the wire - UALR being the only aside.  Can you say photo finish?

Hazzard Gets Second-Straight Player of the Week Nod

For the second week in a row, Troy's Brandon Hazzard is the Sun Belt Men's Basketball Player of the Week - as voted on by the league's 13 member institutions. This marks the first time that any Team has had a player win back to back awards this season.  Hazzard  averaged 22.0 points per game for the week, and shot a tidy 57 percent from the field and 60 percent from down town.  He has scored double figures in 21 games this season.  Most recently, Hazzard scored 21 points as Troy defeated Middle Tennessee 70-64 on Thursday night.

Tidbits from Around the League

• Alex Galindo scored 23 points to give Florida International a 80-76 win over Arkansas State in OT.
• Shane Edwards and Steven Moore each dropped 18 points to lead Arkansas-Little Rock to a 66-57 win over the Denver Pioneers.
• Rudy Turner scored 18 points and Louisiana-Monroe defeated New Orleans 61-56.  New Orleans finished the game shooting just 1 of 9 from long range.
• Tristan Thompson sank 24 points, including all 13 at the charity stripe, to lead North Texas to a 92-74 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette.  North Texas led by as many as 39 points in the second half.
• LaShun Watson hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift South Alabama to a 66-65 victory over Florida International on Thursday night.
• Arkansas-Little Rock's Shane Edwards led the scoring with 16 points and his final shot - a jumper with 2 seconds on the clock - gave the Trojans a 58-57 win Thursday night over cross-state rival Arkansas State.

That's the Stat Jack

Denver has now lost an astounding 43 straight games on the road; last being knocked off Thursday night by Florida Atlantic 61-67.  FAU sank 20 of 22 free throws to secure the win.

Game of the Week

Sat, Feb 14^th      Western Kentucky @ Troy          5:00PM CST      CSS 

FAU's Grit Stifles Late Pioneer Rally Attempt

Brett Royster enjoys one of his 2008-2009 Record Setting Blocks 

FAU entered tonight's game hoping to get its second conference win, and to even the score after a 55-66 loss to Denver back on December 16^th. 

Denver, on the other hand, was hoping to quench a 42 game road drought.  Unfortunately, they aren't the Nuggets.

FAU used a combination of a solid shooting, and a tremendous effort at the free throw line, to come away with its second conference win of the season 67-61 before a sparse, but vocal, crowd at FAU arena.

Paul Graham was on fire out of the gate for FAU connecting on all of the Owls first 14 points.  But the Pioneers were hot as well and jumped out to a 19-16 lead.  The Owls responded with a 8-0 run to pull ahead 24-19 midway through the first.

Denver tussled and tugged their way back in, slowing it down as expected, to tie it up at 26 a piece.  FAU ended the first half on a 14-6 run, and lead 40-32.

The Pioneers were determined to take the Owls out of their rhythm, and did just that initially, coming out on a 13-2 run of their own to begin the second half - employing traps, and making FAU work hard for their shots.

But Owls took advantage of Denver's foul trouble mid way through the second, with starters Lewis and Stafford heading to the bench, and matched their first half advantage of 10 points - surging ahead 57-47.

Denver made a late charge, pulling to within 5 with 19 seconds to go, but would get no closer.

That's the Stats Jack

Paul Graham dropped 25 points and pulled into third place on the FAU all-time scoring list with 1,397 career points.  He passes Jeff Cowens (1,388).

Brett Royster was stellar, and became FAU's all-time single season blocks leader with 63 on the season thus far.  He was just shy of a double double and finsihed with 13 points and 9 rebounds.  Here's what he had to say about his accomplishment: