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.
Caitlin Clark isn’t just a draw for spectators; she’s leading the pack in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) revenue. Clark has overtaken Colorado’s quarterback Shedeur Sanders as the athlete with the highest sales in NIL
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.
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.
Chip Kelly was ready for a change, not just from UCLA, but from his role as a head coach at the collegiate level. His decision to forgo a $6 million salary for the 2024 season, along with a $4 million severance
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 and Rice were engaged in a low scoring defensive battle in the first half, but FAU was up by 7 at the break and never looked back. Behind 18 points from Nick Boyd, and a barrage of clutch buckets from Alijah Martin and Johnell Davis in the second half, FAU was able to hold on and defeat their Owl foes 69-56.