Taylor scores a game high 23 points in Owls 87-69 loss to Miami

Florida Atlantic fell to Miami this afternoon in the 2009 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic 69-87 despite a 23 point game high effort from Ray Taylor.

Miami improves to 11-1, 1-0 on the season, while FAU drops to 5-5, 0-1.

The Owls erased a 6-0 Miami lead to take their only lead of the game at 7-6 early on.

However, the Canes then stifled nearly all of FAU’s offensive efforts, going on a 10-0 run of their own, to take a commanding lead 43-23 at the break while rattling the Owls confidence along the way.

“A lot of kids on the team didn’t believe that we’re supposed to be on the same court. Even if you believe that sometimes, you can’t show it.  You’ve got to go out and give everything you have.  That’s the only way I know how to play", said Taylor.

FAU players often chose to dribble drive on kick outs rather than take the open shot.  The Canes were  then laying in wait – disrupting the ensuing attempt and gathering the miss afterwards in a cutting swath of white and orange.

It didn’t help that the Owls shot just 28.6% in the first half.

FAU seemingly came out of the break with fire and purpose, cutting into the deficit by 10 points.  But just afterwards Miami re-asserted themselves to build as much as a 23 point lead.

‘We played for a little bit in the middle of the game…finally making a few shots.  But three things win basketball games usually.  Free throws, lay-ups, and rebounding”, said Jarvis.

Miami out-rebounded FAU 55-31 and 24 of those were on the offensive glass.

There were some positive takeaways to be observed as the Canes had more turnovers than assists which is a credit to the Owl's defensive effort.

FAU also tallied a season high 12 blocked shots – eclipsing the previous mark of 10 set against Warner.

Jarvis is confident the Owl's day will come against Miami.

“Were going to play them until we beat them”, said Jarvis.  “That’s my conviction.”

The Canes were led by Dwayne Collins, who netted 17 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

FAU next travels to face the Georgia Bulldogs this Wednesday in the second of a three game non conference slate. Game time is set for 7:00PM EST.

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