TOURNAMENT THREAD: FAU in Boca Raton Beach Classic - Nov 29th to Dec 4th, 2019
What: 2019 Boca Raton Beach Classic
When: November 29th to December 4th, 2019
The Teams: FAU, Holy Cross, UIC, St. Bonaventure, San Diego, Canisius
Where: Abessinio Court at FAU Arena
Radio: FoxSports 640
Live Stats: Here
The Owls' Tournament Schedule
Game #1: FAU vs Holy Cross Nov 29th @ 7:00 PM
Game #2: FAU vs UIC Dec 1st @ 6:00 PM
Game #3: FAU vs St. Bonaventure/San Diego Dec 2nd @ TBD
Game #4: FAU vs Canisius Dec 4th @ 7:00 PM
FAU at a Glance
Offense - 73 PPG, 42% FG, 29% 3PT
Defense - 77 PPGA, 47% FGA, 32% 3PTA
Rebounding - 39 RPG Owls, 35 RPG Opponents
Notables
The Owls begin a season-long six-game homestand against Holy Cross on Friday, Nov. 29. The contest is part of the inaugural Boca Raton Beach Classic. The elimination portion of the tournament will be held on Dec. 1 and 2, with FAU wrapping up the event against Canisius on Dec. 4. The Owls will be wearing their new "Paradise Vice" for all four contests. Friday's contest will be the first ever meeting between the Owls and the Crusaders.
FAU (2-3) lost to Florida Gulf Coast, 72-70, in overtime last Wednesday night. The Eagles hit a jumper just before time expired to take the win. Michael Forrest led the Owls with 16 points, the fifth different FAU player to lead the team in scoring is as many games this season.
Holy Cross at a Glance
Offense - 67 PPG, 42% FG, 31% 3PT
Defense - 87 PPGA, 50% FGA, 39 % 3PTA
Rebounding - 32 RPG Crusaders, 39 RPG Opponents
Notables
Holy Cross (0-5) is making its first trip outside of the Northeast for the tournament. Representing the Patriot League are the Crusaders, who are still looking for their first win of the season. Bret Nelson was named as the new head coach in the offseason, after spending the past three seasons as an assistant and Marquette. Holy Cross began the season losing to 71-95 to Maryland, and have followed that up with losses to New Hampshire, Fairfield, Northeastern and Harvard. They are led by true freshmen G Drew Lowder, who is averaging 16 PPG. Keep an eye on sophomore F Marlon Hargis who scored 19 points in the recent loss to Harvard.
UIC at a Glance
Offense - 75 PPG, 46% FG, 35% 3PT
Defense - 75 PPGA, 42% FGA, 34 3PTA
Rebounding - 35 RPG Crusaders, 37 RPG Opponents
Notables
UIC (2-5) enters The Boca Beach Classic searching for consistency, with their only DIvision I win being at home against Robert Morris. The Flames have one of the most electric back courts in the Horizon League, featuring G Tarkus Ferguson (16 PPG), G Marcus Ottey (15 PPG) and ^ Godwin Boahen (16 PPG). Entering his 4th season at the helm, head coach Steve McClain has led the flames to one CBI and one CIT appearance.
St. Bonaventure at a Glance
Offense - 62 PPG, 38% FG, 28% 3PT
Defense - 65 PPGA, 42% FGA, 28% 3PTA
Rebounding - 34 RPG Bonnies, 37 RPG Opponents
Notables
St. Bonaventure (2-4) is not off to the start they had hoped for. The two wins are over Rutgers and Mercer. However the Bonnies still have time to get back on track before Atlantic 10 play begins in early January. St. Bonaventure is led by Kyle Lofton, who is averaging 14 PPG to begin the season. Last year, Lofton was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team. Head COach Mark Schmidt is entering his 13th season as head coach of the Bonnies, with their most recent post season appearance being the NCAA Tournament in 2018.
San Diego at a Glance
Offense - 66 PPG, 41% FG, 31% 3PT
Defense - 71 PPGA, 44% FGA, 28% 3PTA
Rebounding - 32 RPG Toreros, 36 RPG Opponents
Notables
The Toreros (4-5) are currently riding a 3 game losing streak, after earning wins over Fresno State and Weber State in the early going. San Diego is led by rising sophomore Joey Calcaterra, who is averaging 15 PPG. Last year, first year head coach Sam Scholl led San DIego to a 21-15 record and a postseason trip to the NIT. After sitting out last season due to transfer rules, G Braun Hartfield scored 25 points in a loss to Hofstra. Hartfield began his career at Youngstown State, where he started 43 games.
Canisius at a Glance
Offense - 73 PPG, 46% FG, 36% 3PT
Defense - 72 PPGA, 45% FGA, 35 % 3PTA
Rebounding - 33 RPG Griffins, 32 RPG Opponents
Notables
Canisus (3-2) if off to a mediocre start to begin the season. However, the team does have wins over Bucknell and St. Bonaventure. The Canisus offense features talented G Malik Johnson, who is averaging 15 PPG. The senior was named to the Preseason ALL-MAAC 2nd team. Inside, F Jacco Fritz has played well given his expanded playing time, including a 12 point, 10 rebound performance against Hofstra. Third year head coach Reggie Witherspoon has led the Griffins to a CIT and CBI performance in his first two seasons.
How can you NOT love these #ParadiseVice jerseys!? If basketball doesn't work out, surely Everett Winchester (@EWinchester220) has a backup plan in modeling!#FAU leads #HolyCross 18-10 at the 11:30 mark of the first half.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 30, 2019
Mike Forrest (@m_ke1135) leads all scorers with 6. pic.twitter.com/id9LwBh45m
Let's take this TO THE BANK!
HALFTIME. #FAU 41 - #HolyCross 21.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 30, 2019
Just like last week vs. #FGCU, the Owls are off to a fast start with a huge lead going into the break.
The key is to prevent turnovers and take smart shots, thus preventing wasted possessions, to avoid any comeback from the Crusaders.
Cornelius Scooter Taylor hits a three just before the halftime buzzer goes off, pushing #FAU's lead to 20. That's his third three of the night.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 30, 2019
Mike Forrest is the only player in double digits. He has 12, all via the three-ball.
Owls are shooting an INSANE 60% from the arc!
Owls see a 24 point early second half lead cut to 12 with about 13 minutes left.
Moreover, Jaylen Sebree is off the court with an injury to his knee. Kid can’t catch a break.
What a fade-away from Silins! And it’s much needed too, #FAU is weathering a fierce #HolyCross storm.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 30, 2019
Owls lead 63-49, 8:00 remaining. pic.twitter.com/IITTisFQyn
Karlis Silins with an EARTHQUAKE of a tomahawk jam... AND-ONE!! Ohhhhhh the humanity!!
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 30, 2019
That's the dagger, #FAU is up 20 with just over two minutes left.
The kid went 5-7 FG for 14 points in 15 minutes of play. He definitely didn't look injured, so he may have sat the first half because of a suspension we didn't hear about.
Props to Holy Cross’ Drew Lowder. The true freshman went 5-7 FG (4-6 3Pt) for 14 points in just 15 minutes of action.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 30, 2019
That kid is going to make a name for himself.
Our best performance yet this year. Just thankful we were able to hold onto the lead! Let's hope this starts our first win streak of the campaign!
OWLS WIN! #FAU 87 - #HolyCross 69@CoachDustyMay's boys are BACK 👏 ON 👏 TRACK 👏
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 30, 2019
Owls return to the .500 mark thanks Taylor, Forrest, and Maitre all hitting double-digits.
We'll return to the Boca Raton Beach Classic on Sunday, taking on #UIC at 6 PM. pic.twitter.com/8uWWC9LT8D
UPDATED SCHEDULE: 2019-20 FAU Men's Basketball Schedule - FAU Owl's Nest
#FAU hoops is about to clash with #UIC in the Second Round of the Boca Raton Beach Classic.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) December 1, 2019
Here’s @ryan_rubloff showing Jailyn Ingram looking good-to-go after picking up a knock vs. #HolyCross on Friday. pic.twitter.com/lk8yE9nuYm
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