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GAME THREAD: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

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What: Florida International (6-15, 3-6) vs FAU (9-13, 5-4)

When: Saturday, Feb. 4th @ 7:00 PM EST

Where: FAU Arena

TV: None

Live Video: None

Internet Broadcast: Here

Live Stats: Here

Panthers Team Site: Here


Probable Starters:


FIU

G Phil Taylor 14.0 ppg
G DeJuan Wright 16.6 ppg
G Jeremy Allen  13.4 ppg
F Dominique Ferguson 9.7 ppg
C Brandon Moore 4.2 ppg


FAU

G Alex Tucker 4.1 ppg
G Shavar Richardson 6.1 ppg
G Greg Gantt 14.2 ppg
F Jordan McCoy 4.2 ppg
F Kelvin Penn 2.9 ppg


The series:

The the all-time mark is now knotted up at 14 games each thanks to Florida Atlantic pulling out a 66-64 squeaker in Miami on January 21st.

While the Panthers enjoyed slim advantages in steals, blocks, and 3PT %, FAU won the boards 33-21. A big part of that was Jordan McCoy, who posted an 18 point, 11 rebound performance to establish his first career double-double. Greg Gantt and Ray Taylor also kicked in 19 and 14 points respectively.

The Owls have never led in the series, and will have a chance to take the reigns for the first time with a win tomorrow.


FIU at a Glance:

After dropping two straight conference contests, the Panthers got back in the win column with a 63-50 upset win over Troy on Thursday. The victory marked the third straight at Sartain Hall but more importantly provided a shot of confidence in the arm as it topped the spread by 16 points.

DeJuan Wright posted his fourth straight double-double for FIU with an impressive 18 point, 13 rebound effort. Florida International didn't shoot well from beyond the arc (3-of-18), but made up for it at the stripe where they appeared 24 times and connected on 18 of them (75%). Also helping secure the win was committing a season low in turnovers.

Still struggling to sink the rock at times, FIU's offense (61.5 ppg) has tumbled one spot to 11th in the Sun Belt since meeting the Owls earlier in the year. But defense continues to be a strength while tied for 1st in steals (7.5 pg), and second in 3PT% defense (32.0%).

The Panthers are 4-7 on the season away from Miami, and have outshot their opponents for the past 4 games (including FAU).

Phil Taylor (14 ppg) and Jeremy Allen (13.4 ppg) rank 6th and 8th respectively amongst league players in scoring.


FAU at a Glance:

Seeming like the season just began no too long ago, it's already time to begin second rounds for league opponents. In this case, it's time to Bury the Burrow in Red for one of the most exciting tilts 2011-12 has to offer at home.

It comes at a good time considering the set back endured on Thursday night against South Alabama. In the disappointing 65-56 loss, Florida Atlantic surrendered a 10 point second half lead while watching the Jaguars close on a 16-2 run the final 6:37 of the contest. A three game win streak also fell by the wayside.

Thanks goes out to FAUSports.com for the following inspiring pitch to get the the game:




Well said.

Expect to see Jordan McCoy in the starting lineup once again on Saturday given his performance the last time around against FIU.

"Certain teams are really good for Jordan to play against. This is one of those teams," Jarvis said after the Owls' win at U.S. Century Bank Arena earlier this year.

"My best attribute is my quickness, and against slower bigs I just try to work to get inside and use my strengths to my advantage," McCoy said

In closing, here are some historical notes:

•  Alex Tucker is eight assists away from becoming the school’s all time leader in that category.

•  Greg Gantt is five three pointers away from second all time in three pointers made.

•  Ray Taylor is 28 points away from 1,000 for his career.

•  Shavar Richardson is now in the top 10 in career points, making it three current Owls (Richardson, Gantt and Taylor) in that category.

•  Florida Atlantic is 5-7 all-time versus FIU in Boca Raton.


Latest Line:

FAU -8.5


Owl's Nest Prediction

Initial numbers from the Land of Sin (-9.5 FAU) appear to be on the high side. Have they been keeping track of the last few years when these teams met? For those who have, the last four contests have been decided by an average of exactly two points.

If there is to be a near double digit win for the Owls, do not see it coming this season.

But do like them as the favorite again. With The Burrow likely in full effect, Florida Atlantic should complete a regular season sweep over the neighbor to the south, and hand Isiah Thomas his 6th straight loss against Mike Jarvis.

Good times.

FAU -4
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Re: Game Preview: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

I say FAU wins by 1 in a close one. FIU misses a key free throw late and FAU holds on for the 1 pt win. 77-76 FAU

My two favorite teams are FAU, and who ever is beating FIU!
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Re: Game Preview: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

the fact we are 9-13 is sad :-\
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Re: Game Preview: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

owlcountry40 said

the fact we are 9-13 is sad :-\

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Re: GAME THREAD: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

GAME THREAD: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

We're still about 15 minutes away from tip here at FAU Arena, but there is already a raucous crowd on hand…place is going to be rocking!

If you aren't here and live nearby, shame on you!

;)
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Re: GAME THREAD: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

You probably saw this but just in case: Denver manhandled Middle Tennessee in Denver, giving the Blue Raiders their first Sun Belt loss.
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Re: GAME THREAD: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

Starters:


FIU

G Phil Taylor
G DeJuan Wright
G Jeremy Allen
F Dominique Ferguson
C Brandon Moore


FAU

G Alex Tucker
G Shavar Richardson
G Greg Gantt
F Kore White
F Kelvin Penn
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Re: GAME THREAD: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

Interesting...Jarvis goes with White over McCoy.
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Re: GAME THREAD: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

grayowl said

You probably saw this but just in case: Denver manhandled Middle Tennessee in Denver, giving the Blue Raiders their first Sun Belt loss.

Yep, good times!

And we get Denver next Thursday…….
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Re: GAME THREAD: Florida International vs FAU - 02/04/12 @ 7:00PM

Our intro needs work, lol
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