Owls cut 19 point deficit to a single possession but fall against DePaul to conclude five game swing

The longest span on the road for FAU’s 2010-11 season came to a close tonight in a 71-62 loss to DePaul (6-6, 0-0) at Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL.

The Owls finish the stretch at 3-2 including wins over conference foes Troy and ULM, and non-conference opponent Hofstra.

“It was a great trip overall”, said Coach Mike Jarvis.

After a lackluster performance against Louisiana-Monroe on Sunday, Greg Gantt led FAU with 20 points and eight rebounds.

But the Owls were once again off the mark as a team from long range at 4-of-17 (23.5%).

Florida Atlantic (8-6, 2-0) was on top 7-3 early before DePaul would use FAU turnovers as a spring board towards a 30-7 run and a 33-14 late in the first half.

Looking to trim the margin to single digits, the Owls had the ball with: 02 remaining in the frame, but threw it away. A DePaul three at the horn saw the Blue Demons on top 42-28 at the break.

However, showing fight, FAU tussled hard to close the gap to 63-60 with 1:49 remaining in the second frame behind a pair of free throws by guard Dennis Mavin.

They would get no closer though, as DePaul was perfect at the line with eight straight tosses to conclude the contest.

“We got it down to a one possession game, and you can’t ask for anymore than that”, Jarvis said. “It just wasn’t our night.”

Bench play was a bright spot tonight. Jordan McCoy, who was battling flu like symptoms, saw some of his minutes go to Andre Mattison. Mattison (photo) responded by posting eight points and six rebounds – both career highs.

Mavin, who was recently replaced by Ray Taylor in the starting line-up, scored FAU’s last seven en route to a 12 point, four rebound performance.

“Those two guys, they played hard. What happens when you play hard is usually you end up playing well; and they did”, commented Jarvis.

The Owls will enjoy some time off before returning to FAU Arena for a four game home stand that begins with Manhattan College on December 30th at 7:00 p.m.

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Game Discussion