Following FAU’s second non conference loss of the season- both games which the Owls could have won had they gotten a few extra possessions, some fans may be pressing the panic button.
The first game of this year’s rendition of the Jimmy V classic started out in a bit of an offensive lull. FAU was shooting just 25%, while Illinois was shooting 33% in the first 6 minutes of play. This led to a back and forth affair early on, where either side was unable to pull away.
That idea was the “Field of 68 Tip-off” a round robin event between FAU, Liberty, and the College of Charleston, which will be played every year at each of the schools. An event like this allows for these programs to compete against each other at a high level early in the season, while also providing a resume booster for the winning teams.
It was a back and forth affair early on, as FAU was looking to build on their strong paint performance against Liberty in this one, starting out with their first 12 points all coming in the paint.
#13 FAU got back to what they do best and that is winning at home. The Owls dominated from the opening tip & continued it through the final whistle, defeating Liberty 83-58. After the game Coach Dusty May spoke on the victory.
FAU did not leave anything in doubt during the Championship matchup of the ESPN Invitational. The Owls dominated the Virginia Tech Hokies in a wire to wire 84-50 victory.
It was a hard fought battle of the Owls in the season finale. FAU competed to the very end trying to play spoiler, but Rice held on; clinching bowl eligibility and defeating FAU 24-21.
FAU seems to play with a chip on their shoulder when they are the underdogs and that was the story today once again. The Owls who were 5 point underdogs played spoiler in the semi finals of the ESPN Invitational and upset #12 Texas A&M 96-89.
FAU took the court for the first time since their upset loss at the hands of Bryant. The Owls wasted no time, defeating Butler 91-86 in a game where the offense looked revitalized.