GAME WEEK THREAD: FAU vs MTSU & UAB January 19th & 21st, 2017
What: UAB (11-7, 4-1) vs. FAU (5-11, 1-4)
When: Thursday, Jan. 19th @ 8:00
Where: FAU Arena
Series: UAB dominates FAU in a 5-1 all-time series record.
TV: beIN Sports
Live Video: On Facebook via beIN Sports
Radio: ESPN 106.3
UAB Team Site: Here
UAB at a Glance:
Offense - 73.1 PPG, 46% FG, 33% 3PT
Defense - 69.4 PGA, 42% FGA, 34% 3PTA
Rebounding - 37.6 PG Team, 33.4 PG Opponents
Notables
UAB's path to 5-1 in conference play did not come easy. A 49 point effort in loss at Middle Tennessee is the only hiccup for the Blazers. The two are expected to battle it out for the conference's CUSA bid to the NCAA Tournament. It's no surprise that the loss in Murfreesboro served as a wake-up call for UAB, who then pulled off gritty close wins at North Texas and a much improved Rice University before returning to Birmingham for big wins over solid Western Kentucky and Marshall squads. The Blazers' strength to pull close games out on the road is a testament to the type of program they have sustained in Birmingham.
Forward William Lee is the reigning CUSA Defender of the Year, which was highlighted by is 8 blocks against FAU in Birmingham. He is also first on the team in rebounds and blocks. But his talent is not limited to just the defensive side of the ball. Lee leads the team in scoring, free throw shooting, and leads all average starters in 3 pointers. Flat out, the kid can play.
FAU at a Glance
Offense - 70.4 PPG, 42% FG, 34% 3PT
Defense - 71.2 PGA, 43% FGA, 35% 3PTA
Rebounding - 36.2 Team, 39.9 Opponents
Notables
The Owls return home to the Burrow after dropping two games in disappointing fashion. In Boca, FAU is 4-4 overall this season, so a taste of some home cooking could be exactly what the Owls need.
Gerdarius Troutman seems to have regained his confidence from earlier in the season. Last Saturday in El Paso, Troutman set a new career high in points with 22, which was catalyzed by going 6-9 from the 3-point arch in just 24 minutes played.
The Owls will have to limit their turnovers, but have good ball and off-the-ball movement to find open shots in hope to neutralize Lee. Every wasted possession will hurt tonight.
Latest Line
UAB - 7
Tonight's starting lineups for #FAU vs #UAB:
— FAU Owl's Nest (@TheOwlsNest_ITB) January 20, 2017
G Nick Rutherford
G Adonis Filer
F Jeantal Cylla
F Jailyn Ingram
C Ronald Delph#GoOwls 👌
Not the start #FAU needed if we are going to hang with #UAB. Blazers lead BIG TIME, 13-4 with 14:47 left in the first. Owls shooting 25% FG.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@TheOwlsNest_ITB) January 20, 2017
Owls go on a 7-0 run to pull the game back into single digits. Still early & still down, but #FAU getting some of that BIG MO'!
— FAU Owl's Nest (@TheOwlsNest_ITB) January 20, 2017
#FAU now takes a 5-2 run in 2 mins to pull within 6 of #UAB. Neely & Troutman lead the Owls in scoring w/ 6 a piece. 26-20 6:40 left in half
— FAU Owl's Nest (@TheOwlsNest_ITB) January 20, 2017
Blazers return the favor with an 8-0 run over 3 minutes, regaining control of the game with a 34-20 score. 3:44 left in the half.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@TheOwlsNest_ITB) January 20, 2017
HALFTIME. Ending the half on a 11-5 run, #FAU pulls closer but still down to #UAB, 41-32. Troutman with a game high 9 points, 3-6 from 3Pts.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@TheOwlsNest_ITB) January 20, 2017
Neely is having a solid game so far, with 6 points and 3-3 shooting.
UAB's William Lee has 9 points and 7 boards. Safe to say he's getting another double-double tonight. The only question is will he reach 200 career blocks tonight in Boca, or in Miami? He's just 5 away.
Halftime individual stats for #FAU and comparison team stats vs. #UAB.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@TheOwlsNest_ITB) January 20, 2017
Owls shooting an awful 21% 3PT, but 64% on non-3Pt FGs. pic.twitter.com/Zg9bdwPLlY
Jack David Whidden III (2) said
I really hate to beat a dead horse here, but Troutman should be the only Owl attempting three pointers from here on out.Posted On: Jan 19th 2017, 8:59 PM #365854
Jack David Whidden III (2) said
Curry puts in Troutman, and the Owls get rolling!Posted On: Jan 19th 2017, 8:24 PM #365850
+10,000
THIS JUST IN FROM THE NEWS DESK
(again)
The guy needs to shoot the ball 15-20 time a night.
Double screen, set plays, do what it takes.
Ridiculous percentage from down town (44.3%). Needs to be a focal point of the offense - PERIOD.
The Clemson transfer nets and and-one, steals the ball, then THROWS IT DOWN! Owls then force 4 TO's in the span of 3 minutes!
Out of a #UAB timeout, Rutherford gets ANOTHER steal & a fast break layup to TIE THE GAME.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@TheOwlsNest_ITB) January 20, 2017
41 all with 17:30 left. #LetsGoOwls
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