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What: Stetson University (2-7, 0-0 A-Sun) vs FAU (5-5, 1-1 SBC)

When: Tuesday, Dec. 18th @ 7:00 PM

Where: FAU Arena

TV: None

Live Video: None

Internet Broadcast: Here

Live Stats: Here

Hatters Team Site: Here


Probable Starters:


Stetson

G- Chris Perez 12.7 ppg
G- Joel Naburgs 10.8 ppg
G- Hunter Miller 3.0 ppg
F- Willie Green 8.1 ppg
C- Adam Pegg 15.1 ppg


FAU

G- Jackson Trapp 6.3 ppg
G- Greg Gantt 21.3 ppg
G- Pablo Bertone 6.6 ppg
F- Jordan McCoy 5.6 ppg
C- Drajan Sekelja 4.5 ppg


The series:

The two in-state schools squared off a little over two weeks ago in a game played in Deland. Senior guard Greg Gantt poured in a career-high 34 points and made his first six shots including four three-pointers, as the Owls rolled to a 88-78 victory on the road. Stefan Moody chipped in 17 points off of the bench, as Adam Pegg paced the Hatters with 24 points of his own.  Stetson was able to hang around in the contest and trailed by just single digits midway through the second half, but couldn’t overcome 18 turnovers down the stretch.

The game marked the 31st time the two former Atlantic Sun rivals had met, but it was the first time a contest had been played since 2007.

Stetson holds a slim 16-15 all-time advantage in the series; however FAU has won six of the last eight and the last two meetings on their home court.

In the Owls last four victories over the Hatters; they have won by an average margin of 9.5 points.


Stetson at a Glance:

The Hatters fell to 2-7 on the season, as they dropped their six straight game Saturday afternoon with a 76-57 loss to Richmondon the road. Guard Chris Perez lead the squad with 17 points, but a 9-0 run by the Spiders in the second half put the contest out of reach. Stetson shot a poor 2-of-19 (10.5%) from three-point range, and had 16 turnovers.

Earlier in the week, the Hatters lost 82-79 to Florida International in Deland. The game was tied with less than two minutes remaining in regulation before two three-pointers and five key free throws sealed the deal for the Golden Panthers.

“I honestly believe that our team is much better than what we're getting in results,” head coach Casey Alexander said of the losing streak.  “As soon as we realize it, collectively - that we're right there - then we'll get through it.”

Stetson has lost six straight games – which is the longest streak for the school in two seasons – but has played competitively in almost every matchup.

In the loss to FIU, the Hatters dominated the lane outscoring the visitors 46-20 in the paint, but depth was an issue as the Golden Panthers’ bench outscored the home team’s reserves 40-9.

Since the meeting with the Owls earlier this month, center Adam Pegg’s production has fallen. The Preseason All-Atlantic Sun selection tormented FAU with a team-high 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, but since then he has been limited by opponents. In the last two games he’s averaged just 12 points, and hasn’t found any type of rhythm.

Perez has picked for the lack of production by Pegg and is averaging 19.5 points in the last two contests. The junior transfer guard from Lipscomb can shoot the three ball (41.7%), and also attack the basket by driving to the lane. He’s scored over 20 points in two games this season.

Freshman Logan Irwin is the team’s starting point guard, but he’s missed the past two games. It will be interesting to see if he returns to the lineup on Tuesday night.

Turnovers have been an issue that has plagued the Hatters all season long. The Owls where able to capitalize off of poor passes and scored 15 points off of them in their win on the road. In the past six games –all of which were losses – the team has had more turnovers than their opponents in each outing. Stetson is 0-5 when committing 16 or more turnovers.



FAU at a Glance:

After stringing together an impressive three-game win streak, the Owls traveled to mid-major power Dayton on Saturday night and lost 81-56. The squad held an early lead thanks to a silencing 12-0 run, but depth from the home side ultimately prevailed as FAU dropped to 5-5 on the season.

Gregg Gantt continued his hot play and scored 26 points – which was good enough for his ninth game this season in double-figures – but production from his teammates wasn’t there.

The Owls will now look to rebound against a familiar opponent in Stetson.

“It would be a good opportunity for me to see how my guys bounce back and move forward,” head coach Mike Jarvis said. “Every game you find out a little bit more about yourself and this is no different. Every game is very important.”

With conference play looming in the distance and a bout with #6 Indiana on the horizon, Tuesday night should provide an essential opportunity for the team to turn things around.

The last time they faced the Hatters they shot a high percentage from the field and were able to generate turnovers on the defensive side of the court.

Gantt led the offense with a career-high 34 points, but it was freshman guard Stefan Moody who hit 9-of-11 free throws in the second half to seal the game.

“We shot the ball really well that night, there were a lot of areas I would have liked to have done better in, but it’s going to be a tough game on Tuesday. They need a win bad, and I’m sure they well play their usual style of ball – which is always dangerous,” Jarvis said.

Stetson’s style of play is one that is capable of producing big runs, but it is also one that can be reckless. The Owls had a season-high 11 steals in the previous meeting with the Hatters.

Tuesday night FAU should continue to pressure the opponent, but also look to limit Pegg – who had a season-high 24 points in that last matchup.

“Hopefully we will defend him better, which is certainly not the way we wanted to play him in the first place. We got to play him better and not let him get the ball as easy as he got it,” Jarvis said.

In Saturday’s loss to Dayton, the squad was outworked in the paint 38-16 and also gave up a host of second chance points.
Center Dragan Sekelja and forward Jordan McCoy should be the ones battling Pegg, but don’t be surprised if forward Kelvin Penn sees some action. Penn had a four blocks against the Flyers, and the team reached its highest total this season.

The Owls have relied heavily on the three-point shot this season, and are 0-3 in contest in which they shoot 30.8% or lower.


Latest Line:

N/A


Owl's Nest Prediction

The last time these two teams met on the hardwood, it seemed as if FAU was in control for a majority of the contest. Stetson was able to hang around, but every time they made a run or cut into the lead, the Owls had an answer from Gantt or Moody.

FAU is clearly the better squad, but they will need to play fundamental basketball and handle Pegg – who seemed to have given the Owls’ big men trouble defensively.

Stetson can shoot the ball, so limiting them from long distance will be essential. The Hatters had no real answer for Gantt or Moody, so expect the duo to continue putting up high numbers.

If the Owls are able to force turnovers and build an early lead, they should be able to comfortably walk away with this one on their home court against a former rival.


FAU -10+

Just arrived here in the burrow…. it's a ghost town.

Stefan Moody and Cavon Baker are in sweats, and not taking part in warm-ups.

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Rumor floating around is Moody and Baker have been suspended 3 games for violating team rules.

Ouch.

He will transfer.... Already hates JArvis.

Tonight's starters:

FAU
G- Jackson Trapp
G- Greg Gantt
G- Pablo Bertone
F- Jordan McCoy
C- Drajan Sekelja


Stetson
G- Chris Perez
G- Joel Naburgs
G- Hunter Miller
F- Willie Green
C- Adam Pegg

owlcountry40 said

He will transfer…. Already hates JArvis.

Who? Baker? Moody?

Gantt air balls his first shot, not good.

Andrew said

Rumor floating around is Moody and Baker have been suspended 3 games for violating team rules.

Ouch.

Confirmed, no rumor.

NOT good.