FAU Eyes Tough Home Tilt Against FGCU


What: Florida Atlantic (7-1, 0-0 C-USA) vs. FGCU (7-2, 0-0 ASUN)

When: Wednesday, December 7th, @ 7:00 PM

Where: The Burrow - Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena

Series: Tied at 3-3 with the Owls 2-1 at home


TV: ESPN+

Radio: FoxSports 640

Live Stats: Here

Latest Line: FAU -8.5


Eagles Team Site: Here


FGCU at a Glance

Offense - 74 PPG, 43% FG, 35% 3PT

Defense - 64 PPGA, 41% FGA, 30% 3PTA

Rebounding - 38 RPG, 35 RPG Opponents


FAU at a Glance

Offense - 80 PPG, 49% FG, 39% 3PT

Defense - 65 PPGA, 39% FGA, 29% 3PTA

Rebounding - 41 RPG, 35 RPG Opponents


Owl Notables

Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena has been kind to FAU as of late. And with four straight due up there, the team will be carrying a five game home wining streak onto the floor Wednesday night. This all while coming off a 101-73 road win which offered their most points scored in since January 16, 2021 versus FIU (107).

With the "player of the game" continuing to rotate, it was Bryan Greenlee's (photo below) turn against Eastern Michigan on Sunday, and he answered with a season high 23 points; which was just shy of his career mark of 25 set back in 2020 against South Alabama.

Greenlee tallied a near perfect 10-of-11 mark overall and netted three long balls on the afternoon - good for the second-best shot percentage in program history (90.9) for a single game.

"He looked calm, and he looked like a veteran", said head Coach Dusty May. "He took advantage and made open shots but he was sensational on the defensive end. When he's locked in defensively he's a problem."



The Owls will be looking to return favor on last season's narrow 72-70 overtime road loss to the Eagles in Fort Myers. They are obviously a much improved squad and will be more than up for the task to make that happen.

Additionally, FAU has won three out of its last four games by 20 points or more and the last four by at least 15 points.

The team has been without leading scorer Alijah Martin the last two contests, but there has been some improvement in his condition and his availability for Wednesday is a game time decision.

"He'll be dressed, and in uniform, but not sure how much he will play, or if he will play", May said.


Eagles Notables

FGCU is coming off a 74-65 road win over FIU. At 7-2 overall, the Eagles' two losses came at the hands of San Diego (73-79) and #17 Tennessee 50-81.

Stetson transfer guard Chase Johnston is tossing up the most attempts for the team overall, but he's not the their most efficient shooter while averaging 31.4% from distance.

They are likely playing the odds, as he broke his own program record with 99 triples at a 40.1% clip last season for the Hatters before heading to Fort Myers.

"We know him well, he's from Boca, and he plays pick up with our guys", said May. "They know when he crosses half court that he's in range."

Junior forward Zach Anderson was named ASUN Player of the Week on Monday after his performance in the Eagle's two victories last week.
 
Anderson (13.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG) tallied 18 points and a career best 13 rebounds against the Panthers, and added 11 points and a team-high seven rebounds against Georgia Southern.

"They have dynamic guards that can shoot it from deep and finish at the rim, and the front court is extremely athletic and deep as well", May said. "It's by far, on paper, our toughest home game."
 
Contributing Source: FGCU Sports Information

The FAU Owls are ready for their Prime Time showdown vs FGCU at the top of the hour. Here's your starting five for FAU:


G Boyd
G Greenlee
G Gaffney
G Weatherspoon
C Goldin

Go Owls 🦉🏀

Owls jump out to a 7-1 lead early.

17:30 1st

Martin checks in for the first time in two games.

Owls up 12-5.

11:15 1st

FAU 14  FGCU 7

Owls a little cool on the 3PT shot, but still out front by a double up.

Should be more but two turnovers cost FAU some easy buckets.

8:55 1st

FAU 26 FGCU 10

The Eagles don't want this smoke!

Ken LaVicka on 640 gets so excited. Love it.

MARTIN IS ON 🔥🔥🔥 11 PTS IN HIS RETURN SO FAR

32-12 FAU

6:30 1st

HALFTIME: FAU 41  FGCU 28

Owls looking good in the Battle of The Alley 🐊

Stiff D results in 13 PTS off Eagle Turns. Martin leading the way with 14 PTS off the bench, who is outpacing the competition 23-2.

Coach Herman in the Student Section tonight!