FAU Fires Back, But Toppers Offensive Consistency Pays Off

Brett Royster posted 15 points and 7 rebounds in tonight's contest

They call it a game of runs, and that was characteristic of tonight's match-up as Florida Atlantic dropped the first of two final regular season contests on the road tonight at Diddle Arena, falling to Western Kentucky 67-87.

The Toppers raced out of the gate connecting on five of their first nine three pointers; building a 25-9 lead just 8 minutes into the contest.

WKU kept up the offensive pressure as FAU remained scoreless for 6 minutes; and built a 21 point first half lead. 

But the Owls tightened up on defense keeping the Toppers scoreless for the last 3:43 of the period.  FAU scored the final 7 points of the half, and trailed 30-44 at the break.

FAU trimmed further into the lead to start the second, narrowing the gap to just 10.  But that would not last as WKU went on a 13-0 run, and took a game high 24 point lead at 63-39, just 5 minutes in.

However, the Owls would strike again, counterpunching with a run of their own, to close the gap to 15 at the 11:33 mark.

But they would get no closer.  The Toppers consistency on the offensive end pushed the lead back to a 25 point advantage with 1:58 to play.

"We didn't give up.  We don't give up.  We just got out-played", said Coach Jarvis after the game.

The Owls drop to 6-24 overall, and 0-16 on the road, with the loss.

WKU enjoyed their fifth straight 20 win season with the victory.

AJ Slaughter was 7 of 11 from the field and finished with 19 points for Western Kentucky. 

That's the Stats Jack

• Paul Graham, once again, led FAU in scoring with 20 points

• Brett Royster had 15 points, pulled down 7 rebounds, and dismissed 3 shot attempts by WKU

• Carlos Monroe got back on track, for what seems like forever and a day, and posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards

• Nick Gagel, who hails from Kentucky, got his first start as an Owl.  He drained his first 3 pointer, and had a career high 4 points

Up Next for the Owls

The Owls conclude the regular season and travel a short distance to take on conference rival Florida International this Saturday, February 28^th. Tip off time is scheduled for 7:00PM EST, and will follow the conclusion of the women's contest which takes place prior.