Basketball in paradise resumed on Thursday evening, and it brought a rejuvenated Owls team along with it. Backed by a Sandstorm and 2 20-point performances from Alijah Martin and Vlad Goldin, FAU defeated conference foe SMU 80-70.
FAU will be looking to bounce back following their tough road loss to state rival USF. Unfortunately for the Owls, the next game is by no stretch a bounce back game as SMU comes to town as one of the most efficient all-around teams in the country.
The Florida Atlantic Owls opened up their 2024 season with a big challenge. The Owls traveled up to Nashville, Tennessee to take on the #6 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores
USF defended home court, and took firm control of the AAC, defeating state rival FAU in front of a hyped fanbase, 90-86. USF led for over 37 minutes of this game and held on to win despite a ferocious 2nd half comeback effort from FAU and 23 points from Vlad Goldin and 20 from Johnell Davis.
FAU Vs USF could establish a true number 1 seed in the AAC, as the Bulls are currently in 1st place and riding a 10-game win streak; while FAU is right on their tails and with a Charlotte loss could find themselves in 1st place with a win on Sunday.
FAU came out of the gates with strong energy and built on it throughout the game as they defeated temple 80-68, behind the usually raucous home crowd. It was a team effort, as the Owls had 5 players score in double figures and were led by Johnell Davis who scored a quiet 17 & Alijah Martin right behind him with 16.
Following a slow start, the Owls took control of tonight’s contest, never looking back. The energy inside the Elly was intense, as the Student Section was bumping all night in support of their team.
FAU against North Texas on Sunday afternoon was expected to be a battle, and the expectation held true. The game came down to the final possession, tied, with the ball in Johnell Davis’s hands. Davis, who finished with 28 points, rose up for a game winning 3-pointer in the final seconds
A battle is set for the Burrow at 1 pm on Sunday, as #22 FAU is matching up against former CUSA foe, The University of North Texas.