MIAMI,Fla.- The Florida Atlantic Owls got the victory over the Florida International Panthers on Wednesday night, 88-77, in a very tight game.
FAU was able to snap a three-game losing streak. The last two games were both lost by two points. For FIU, it was their second straight loss after their previous matchup against Florida Golf Coast ended in a 60-59 loss.
From the jump, both teams were physical on the defensive end in this one. Through the first 13 minutes, both teams shot 39% from the field, and FAU shot 10% from three-point range. The Owls struggled mightily throughout the first half from downtown, shooting 3-of-15. Despite this, they kept the game close with a 40-39 lead going into the locker room.
A theme throughout 2024 so far for FAU has been their inability to rebound. Coming into Wednesday night’s matchup, they ranked 210 out of 355 ranked teams in rebound margin. In the first half, they were out-rebounded 21-17.
FAU forward Tre Carroll was very aggressive in the first half. He finished the half with a career-high 18 points, shot 6-of-8 from the field, 5-of-5 from the free throw line, and 1-of-3 from three. For FIU, it was a more balanced attack. Both guard Jayden Brewer (12) and center Vianney Salatchoum (10) finished in double figures for the Panthers for the half.
FAU came out hot in the second half. They went on a 20-10 run to begin the half before FIU called timeout with 12:02 remaining. The Owls continued to battle on the boards. They tied FIU in rebounds in the second half 15-15. The Panthers continued to battle and hang in, eventually cutting the lead to six with 4:22 remaining. FIU guard Deshon Gittens came up with a few big baskets down to the stretch.
In the end, FAU’s offense overpowered FIU’s physical defense. Carroll and Kaleb Glenn both scored 20+ points for FAU. Forward Baba Miller and guard Niccolo Moretti scored double figures with impressive second-half performances. FAU shot a remarkable 53% from the field and had a season-high 59 points from its bench. Leland Walker also had an outstanding performance, finishing with 12 assists.
Gittens, Brewer, and Salatchoum finished in double figures for the Panthers. Salatchoum shot an impressive 9-of-11 from the field, and Brewer added 12 rebounds to his 17 points.
“I don’t think we ever quit; in each of the games, we found a way to stay in them, and it comes down to one possession. The best thing about tonight is we found some margin,” said FAU head coach John Jakus.
FAU’s next matchup will be against Jacksonville at home on 12/10. FIU will host New College FL on Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.