GAME WEEK THREAD: FAU vs. FIU - January 23rd & 26th, 2019
FAU Basketball Plans "Red-Out" to Greet Rival FIU
What: FIU (12-7, 3-3) vs. FAU (11-8, 2-4)
When: Wednesday, January 23 @ 7:00 PM
Where: FAU Arena
Series: The Panthers own a 24-18 advantage over the Owls, but FAU won the most recent contest 77-72
Video: CUSA.tv
Radio: ESPN 106.3
FIU Team Site: Here
Panthers at a Glance:
Offense – 88.9 PPG, 46% FG, 30% 3PT
Defense – 81.9 PPGA, 46% FGA, 33% 3PTA
Rebounding - 36.7 PG, 43.9 PG Opponents
Notables
The Panthers will make their annual trip to The Burrow as one of the biggest surprises in C-USA Basketball. While their positioning in the middle of the conference standings is not that much of a shock, it is how FIU has been able to get there that has many in the college basketball circles turning their heads. The Panthers' 88.3 PPG makes them the fourth highest scoring offense in the nation, sandwiched between Duke at #3 and North Carolina at #5.
The Panthers high-scoring prowess does not stem from out-rebounding their opponents, but from forcing turnovers. In fact, FIU's 21.7 forced turnovers per game and 11.5 steals per game top the nation.
Guard Brian Beard Jr. leads the Panthers in points with 19.1 PPG, making him the 63rd best scorer in Division I. While his 5'10" stature makes him look small-time, his athleticism, which is visibly displayed whenever he drives the lane, is anything but. The Senior from California is coming off of 16, 14, and 28 point performances against Marshall, Western Kentucky, and Old Dominion respectively.
Owls at a Glance:
Offense – 72.5 PPG, 41% FG, 32% 3PT
Defense - 70.0 PPGA, 42% FGA, 31% 3PTA
Rebounding - 40.1 PG, 36.3 PG Opponents
Notables
The Owls return home amidst a three game losing streak. The two most recent losses come away from home at the hands of Marshall and Western Kentucky. That road trip to Huntington and Bowling Green is the most difficult of the conference slate when considering the talent the Owls had to face, and the logistics of getting to and from each locale.
Owl Nation will welcome FAU Basketball back to Boca with the ever-popular Bury The Burrow in Red game. The annual red-out vs. FIU will be celebrated with the first 500 students receiving red "Beat FIU" shirts.
Offensively, the Owls have shot an impressive 41% from three in their two previous games. This could be the result of Dusty May electing to start three guards recently. While the "small ball" style of basketball has grown in popularity, especially at the mid-major level, this change in FAU's offensive style is not by choice as Dusty May's side has been decimated with injuries at the Forward and Center positions. This could provide an opportunity for the Owls as FIU has the fourth worse three-point defense in C-USA since the start of conference play.
Opening Line: FAU -1
On the flip side, the defense can be atrocious.
Gave up 121, yes 121, to Arkansas.
105 to Marshall in a 105-97 loss.
So, we will have to play solid D to win.
#FAU's Starting Five vs. rival #FIU:
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 23, 2019
PG - Michael Forrest
SG - Anthony Adger
SF - Richardson Maitre
PF - Simeon Lepichev
C - Aleksandar Zecevic
Anybody in the mood for some cat for dinner?
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 24, 2019
😈😈😈 #BeatFIU pic.twitter.com/kJgwbi7mxj
14:09 1H | #FAU 11 - #FIU 8
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 24, 2019
The team that is actually close to the beach is off to a fast start against their inland rivals. Adger leads all scorers with 5 points.
Can somebody let #FIU's Brian Beard know that this basketball, not swimming? So if he wants to dive, the @FAUSwimDive facility is across the street.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 24, 2019
11:43 1H | #FAU 18 - #FIU 8
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 24, 2019
Owls are amidst a 7-0 run spanning the last 2:20. Adger almost throws himself into the court-side seats to prevent the Owls from losing possession. He hits the court hard, but quickly gets up to the applause of #OwlNation appreciating his effort.
7:39 1H | #FIU 21 - #FAU 20
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 24, 2019
Owls see their ten point lead disappear as the Panthers go on a 13-2 run over the last four minutes. Three quick Owl turnovers surely haven't helped the cause.
But since then, the Owls have made 2 of their last 11 FGs, compared to 6 of FIU's last 8.
3:56 1H | #FAU 27 - #FIU 27
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 24, 2019
Silins hits back-to-back layups to draw the Owls even with the Panthers. Worth noting #FIU has used the full court press to near perfection for the majority of the half. They are the nation's best at forcing turnovers for a reason.
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