Owls Down to Last Swing Wednesday Night

[caption id="attachment_27" align="alignleft" width="347" caption="Alex Tucker scored a pair of rare three pointers for FAU"][/caption] Alex Tucker scored a pair of rare three pointers for FAU

Florida Atlantic took on conference rival Florida International tonight hoping to get a "W" in their last chance at a road win for the regular season, but fell to the Panthers by a final score of 53-80.

Florida International's 7-0 late first half run continued early into the second and completed a 14 point swing that was too much for the Owls to overcome down the stretch, as the Panthers kept building from there.

FAU took an early 13-10 advantage just over five minutes in and would remain in control until FIU gained it's first lead at the second media stop of the period 19-18.

Despite FAU controlling the pace of the game, the Panthers would hang on to the lead until late in the period, when a long three by Paul Graham pushed the Owls back in the driver seat 31-30.

However, they would go scoreless the remainder of the half, allowing the Panther's to build a 31-37 lead at the break.

FIU began the second half on a 7-0 run, prompting Head Coach Mike Jarvis to gather the troops for a time out.

Initially, FAU made some progress on a rare three by Alex Tucker.

But, the Panther's got red hot, and drilled a series of long range bombs to build an 18 point advantage at 58-40.

The Owls would not pose a serious threat from that point on.

"Right now our defense stinks." "Paul Graham can't do it all by himself", offered head Coach Mike Jarvis after the contest.

The Panthers were led by an impressive Freddy Aspirilla down low, who had 18 points.

FIU center Russell Hicks connected on his only three point attempt of the regular season.

Shavar Richardson did not play in the second half due to a coach's decision based upon defensive performance in the first period.

That's the Stats Jack

Carlos Monroe continues to get back to true form. He had another solid showing with 15 points and 9 grabs

Paul Graham knocked down 15 points

Florida Atlantic shot just 38.3% on the night

The Panthers shot a whopping 68.4% in the second half

Alex Tucker sank 2 rare three pointers //

Up Next for the Owls

FAU awaits the outcome of the South Alabama Troy game to see where they will be heading for the first round play-in of the Sun Belt Tournament. If USA wins, they will face the Jaguars. If not, they will play the winner of the North Texas at Denver contest. Check back for updates on who the opponent will be here.