Road trip off to a good start as FAU notches third straight victory

Three players were in double figures this afternoon for Florida Atlantic (6-4), as the Owls downed Hofstra University 63-59 at the Max Sports Complex in Hempstead, NY.

The win avenges last season’s 67-63 loss in Boca Raton, and signals the program’s first win against the Pride (5-4) in six tries.

“They played hard today…we’ll take this one”, said Mike Jarvis. “Already it’s been a good trip, and now we just got to try and keep it going.”

Greg Gantt (17), Ray Taylor (14), and Brett Royster (10), paced an FAU offensive that connected on 53.5% of their attempts, and was 7-of-12 from long range.

FAU sank the game’s first basket, but a rash of turnovers had them behind 17-10 after a Hofstra three from Charles Jenkins.

Later, down 21-26, the Owls went on a game defining 10-0 run from which they would never trail again.

"We stopped turning the ball over, we stopped rushing and we started executing", Jarvis said.

Florida Atlantic enjoyed their largest lead of the contest 39-30 at the break.

The Pride pulled to within a point on two occasions in the second half, but Taylor hit a critical three and pair of free throws to stave off each effort.

Taylor had his best showing of the year (4-of-5) from long range, while pitching in six assists and rebounds as well.

“He played a really fantastic game, and made big shots”, Jarvis said.

Jenkins, who led all scorers with 32 points, couldn’t find needed support from his counterparts thanks to FAU’s defensive prowess.

The Pride was unsuccessful from beyond the three point line, hoisting up 20 tries and connecting on just five of them, and missed their final four shots of the game.

On the glass, the Owls saw a 30-21 advantage, allowing Hofstra just five offensive rebounds.

Royster tallied five blocks for FAU's frontcourt.

FAU will stay in New York for game two of their five game swing, next taking on Siena this Monday at 8:00 p.m.

Box Score

Game Discussion