FAU (6-25, 2-16) @  UNT (18-11, 11-7) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH, 2009 8:00 PM EST

MEDIA COVERAGE

Radio: FOX 640AM - FAU @ UNT 8:00PM

LAST TIME OUT The two teams met previously back on January 17th of 2009 at The Super Pit when the Mean Green came away with a 69-60 win. FAU kept it close until the 6:24 mark of the second half when UNT went up by 5. Notibly, the Owls were without the services of pre-season All SBC forward Carlos Monroe.  Brett Royster, who hails from Texas, had a very productive night for FAU with 14 points, 11 grabs, and 3 blocks. Carderro Nwoji, who is expected to return also finished with one of his best season performances tallying 15 points and 9 rebounds. The winner moves on to Hot Springs, Arkansas to face the winner of the No. 5 Middle Tennessee and No. 12 Arkansas State contest. UNT AT A GLANCE Team Site:  meangreensports.com The Owls need to keep a close defensive eye on senior guard Adam McCoy, who is averaging 22.8 points per game on 59.7% shooting during his last five outings. Also, it's no secret that North Texas knows how to get to the free throw line. The Mean Green ranks second only to UTEP nationally in charity tosses made. UNT went to the line 28 times during the last meeting. Arguably the league's most versatile player, Eric Tramiel is the Sun Belt's only newcomer to average over 12.0 points per game and have at least 20 assists and 20 blocks. FAU AT A GLANCE

Head Coach Mike Jarvis is hopeful the Owls will make some waves in the post-season

No stat wonders in this section. Mere reality. FAU took a tough loss last Saturday against conference rival Florida International.  once again, it was a hot opponent and little to answer with for the Owls on the offensive side. It is all on the line now for FAU Seniors Monroe, Nwoji, Graham, Hernandez, and Coleman; potentially:  The "Last Dance".  The "Final Enchilada".  The "Swan Song".  The "Grand Finale".  Enough said. PROBABLE STARTERS UNT 01 Dominique Johnson G 5-10 150 10 Josh White G 5-10 167 14 Tristan Thompson G 6-5 185 25 Eric Tramiel F 6-7 225 04 George Odufwa F 6-8 240 Florida Atlantic 25 Paul Graham G 6-5 190 05 Alex Tucker G 5-11 160 12 Shavar Richardson G 6-2 165 32 Carlos Monroe F 6-8 245 40 Brett Royster F 6-8 220 LATEST LINE TBA but surely UNT OWLS NEST PREDICTION The Owls put up a fight in the last outing until late in the game, but did not have Carlos Monroe available.  Low post defensive effort was a definite contributor as Watson and Hernandez both fouled out in a combined 30 minutes of play. There is no clear height advantage for either squad this time around, and they actually match-up quite well from a skill perspective.  Strong post presence (without foul trouble), along with a shadow on McCoy (likely Tucker), will remain the defensive keys for a further run into the post season. The Owls must also compliment this on offense, and spread the points evenly.  This will likely tell the tale for FAU, as it is often a "one guy hot, and two guys not" performance. As Jarvis mentioned after the last loss to FIU, Paul Graham can not do it alone.  And all UNT defender's eyes will be on him. However, look for Carlos Monroe to continue his last solid showing; something that was lacking the previous meeting all together.  Brett Royster playing in front of warm family and friends is also a good compliment to count on. Call us crazy, but we like FAU in a game that goes the full distance, and will be entertaining. FAU - 3 03-04-09 UPDATE:  Senior Guard Carderro Nwoji is not expected to play tonight due to injury.