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 28th. Tip off time is scheduled for 7:00PM EST, and will follow the conclusion of the women's contest which takes place prior.
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