GAME THREAD: LaTech @ FAU - January 31, 2019
Owls return to The Burrow, Face a Strong LaTech Team
What: FAU (12-9, 3-5) vs. Louisiana Tech (15-7, 5-4)
When: Thursday, January 31 @ 7:00 PM
Where: FAU Arena
Series: The Bulldogs own a 4-1 all-time series lead over the Owls. FAU's lone win came via a 24-point comeback in January 2016.
Video: CUSA.tv
Radio: ESPN 106.3
LaTech Team Site: Here
Bulldogs at a Glance:
Offense – 74.4 PPG, 45% FG, 33% 3PT
Defense – 67.5 PPGA, 44% FGA, 35% 3PTA
Rebounding - 36.9 PG, 34.3 PG Opponents
Notables
The "Dunkin' Dawgs" of Louisiana Tech escape the chilly weather in Northern Louisiana winners of two straight. One of the Conference-USA's top programs, LaTech is undefeated at home, but has struggled away. In fact, the Bulldogs are still looking for their first conference road victory, having lost to the likes of Rice and Charlotte away from Ruston.
Louisiana Tech has an impressive four players shooting in the double-digits. Guard DaQuan Bracey leads the team in scoring with 14.2 PPG, making him the 16th best scorer in C-USA. Second in scoring is Forward Anthony Duruji, who also leads the team in rebounding. Their third leading scorer, Exavian Christon, has been out with an injury for over a month. His appearance is doubtful.
Owls at a Glance:
Offense – 73.4 PPG, 42% FG, 33% 3PT
Defense - 70.5 PPGA, 42% FGA, 32% 3PTA
Rebounding - 40.7 PG, 35.9 PG Opponents
Notables
In the first year of the Dusty May era, the Owls have the opportunity to surpass last season's win total with their second victory in as many games.
Last time out against rival FIU, a trio of Owls scored over 20 points, with Adger, Forrest, and Stapleton earning 26, 22, and 20 points respectively. Their efforts allowed FAU to snap their four-game skid, which saw the Owls flirt with the bottom of the conference standings.
Despite the injury woes, the Owls have continued their rebounding prowess to become the 27th best rebounding team in the nation.
Opening Line: FAU +4.5
See you in The Burrow.
We are 10 minutes away from tip-off at The Burrow.
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) January 31, 2019
We know we are beating a dead horse here, but #FAU will surpass last season’s win total with a victory tonight over #LaTech. That’s the Dusty May touch, folks!#GoOwls pic.twitter.com/8TRDbGOog3
Tonight's Stating Five:
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 1, 2019
G - Michael Forrest
G - Anthony Adger
G - Kevaughn Ellis
F - Simeon Lepichev
C - Aleksandar Zecevic
This is the first start for Ellis, the true freshman from ontario.
15:41 1H | #LaTech 6 - #FAU 4
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 1, 2019
We've hit our first media stoppage of the game, and holy crap these teams just need to start over. Bulldogs are shooting 27% from the field, which is somehow better than FAU's 25%.
🤮🤮🤮🤮
11:13 1H | #FAU 18 - #LaTech 10
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 1, 2019
Owls lead thanks to former LaTech Bulldog Xavian Stapleton GOING OFF! He has 10 points, 8 of which come during this FAU 12-0 run spanning the last two and a half minutes.
7:54 1H | #FAU 19 - #LaTech 15
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 1, 2019
The Bulldogs use an FAU scoring drought spanning 3:56 to claw back within two possessions.
I decided to wear my red FAU shirt, pants, and even shoes (though nobody suggested those).
Stop by and say hi if you see me.
You guys are the best!
3:45 1H | #FAU 26 - #LaTech 20
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 1, 2019
Owls are using the 2-3 zone to smother the Bulldogs, who have gone over three minutes without a FG.
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