BONUS GAME THREAD: LaTech @ FAU - March 6, 2019
What: Louisiana Tech (18-12, 8-9) vs. FAU (17-12, 8-8)
When: Wednesday, March 6th @ 7:00 PM Eastern
Where: FAU Arena (Senior Night)
Series: The Owls trail the series 2-4 despite beating the Bulldogs 69-61 at The Burrow in late January.
TV: CUSA.tv
Radio: ESPN 106.3
Louisiana Tech Team Site: Here
Bulldogs at a Glance:
Offense – 73.4 PPG, 44% FG, 33% 3PT
Defense – 68.4 PPGA, 43% FGA, 34% 3PTA
Rebounding - 37.1 PG, 35.6 PG Opponents
Notables
Louisiana Tech returns to Boca Raton on a two game losing streak. The Bulldogs have been nearly unstoppable at home (15-1), but have struggled on the road (3-10).
Averaging 15.4 PPG, the Bulldogs biggest contributor is Jr. Guard DaQuan Bracey. The Baltimore, Maryland native has eight 20+ scoring performances this season. However, FAU did a solid job at containing Bracey in late January, limiting him to just 14 points.
A late season success story for Louisiana Tech has been So. Guard Amorie Archiebald, who has scored 18 and 20 in LaTech's last two outings. Moreover, Archiebald has been lights out from three point range recently, making 8 of his last 13 attempts. Archiebald had a phenomenal high school basketball career in the state of Florida. As a Senior at Trinity Christian Academy he won the 3A state title. He was also named Florida's 3A player of the year and was a finalist for 2017 Florida Mr. Basketball.
Along the boards, the Bulldogs rely on Anthony Duruji, who averages 12 PPG and 6 rebounds. His 37 blocks are the fifth highest in C-USA. At 6'7", Durjui has the length and versatility to play inside and outside.
Owls at a Glance:
Offense – 71.4 PPG, 41% FG, 33% 3PT
Defense - 67.9 PPGA, 41% FGA, 31% 3PTA
Rebounding - 40.2 PG, 35.8 PG Opponents
Notables
As the last home game of the season, Wednesday night will provide an opportunity for Owl fans to thank Anthony Adger, Xavian Stapleton, and Simeon Lepichev for their service to the program. All three have been major role players in FAU Basketball's first winning season since 2010-2011.
After a tough home loss to rival FIU, the Owls were able to get back on track with road victory against North Texas. With the C-USA Tournament right around the corner, it is imperative that the Owls maintain their momentum so a postseason tournament invitation could be offered.
The victory against North Texas was impressive because key contributors Anthony Adger and Michael Forest combined for zero points. However Richardson Maitre paced the Owls with 15 points. Close behind was former LaTech Bulldog Xavian Stapleton and Karlis Silins with 12 points a piece.
Having scored 10+ in the last four games, Karlis Silins has been one of the hottest big men in C-USA. The Ole Miss transfer had his first double double as an Owl against Louisiana Tech earlier in this season, scoring 14 points and collecting 10 boards.
Stapleton also had a banner day against the Bulldogs the last time these two sides met, scoring 19 points and hauling 9 rebounds against his former team.
Opening Line: FAU -1
The Owls' lineup for #FAU vs. #LaTech:
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 6, 2019
PG - Anthony Adger
SG - Richardson Maitre
SF - Xavian Stapleton
PF - Simeon Lepichev
C - Karlis Silins
FANTASTIC to see Adger, Stapleton, and Lepichev make the start in their final game at The Burrow.
#LaTech 21 - #FAU 15 | 10:42 1H
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 7, 2019
If you read our preview, you'd know how dangerous DaQuan Bracey is. Well, he has 11 of the Bulldogs 21 points, including three early three-pointers. Silins is three points away from his fifth straight double digit scoring day.
Bad news: Anthony Duruji has scored 12 since then.
HALFTIME | #LaTech 34 - #FAU 28
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 7, 2019
Owls are lucky to only be down by 6, as the Bulldogs are shooting an impressive 46% from three. It should be noted that Bracey hasn't scored since we hyped him up, so you're welcome #OwlNation.
Adger & Silins pace the Owls with 8 points.
#FAU 37 - #LaTech 36 | 15:21 2H
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 7, 2019
OWLS LEAD!! A Silins layup from Forrest caps off a 9-0 run for the hosts.
IT 👏 IS 👏 LIT 👏
#LaTech 48 - #FAU 45 | 11:53 2H
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 7, 2019
*catches breath*
These two teams keep dropping shots one after the other. Both sides are shooting above 60% from the field this half. At this rate, we will be treated to a very entertaining finish from The Burrow.
#FAU 55 - #LaTech 53 | 7:02 2H
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 7, 2019
This is absolutely insane. The Owls retake the lead as the two sides have made a combined 18 out of the last 21 shots (FGs & FTs) in the last six minutes or so.
Adger leads all scorers with 17 points. Silins not far behind with 16.
#LaTech 60 - #FAU 57 | 3:19 2H
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 7, 2019
Owls picked a hell of a time to go on a 2+ minute drought.
Owls now down 6 with 1:30 remaining. #FAU hasn't converted a FG in 3:50+. pic.twitter.com/DQIfdLIHeV
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 7, 2019
Owls now down 4 thanks to a Stapleton three-pointer. #FAU has fouled #LaTech into the double bonus with :22 remaining.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 7, 2019
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