FAU notched their largest win of the season, defeating Saint Leo 112-55 Wednesday night in Boca Raton. The Owls (7-3) reached the 100-point mark for the first time this season and seven guys scored in double figures.
The Lions had no answer for the Owls from the start, but it was the little details in the second half that really broke open the game. In the second half, FAU had just one turnover and allowed just one three in the second half. Sure, the opponent was D2, but that has zero impact on free-throw shooting. The Owls were flawless at the line: 22-of-22.
“We’re teaching them how to win and how to win together,” FAU head coach John Jakus said. “I’m thrilled with the guys. This is a healthy day for a bunch of guys on the team to see the ball go in.”
Speaking of success in the second half, the Owls started the half on a 14-0 run. After that run was ended, they immediately follow it up with an 18-0 run.
Games like this usually open the door for players to post career nights. That’s exactly what happened, especially for the freshman.
Max Langenfeld had a career high 15 points with three three-pointers, scoring more points than he had on the whole season combined. Yohann Sissoko had a career high 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Meanwhile, Lachlan Smith got his first minutes of the season and scored his first collegiate basket. Another freshman, Amar Amkou, notched his first career double-double (10 points and 10 rebounds).
“Those kinds of things [the career-highs] are really fun and are particularly even better when you do it at home,” Jakus said. “Everybody smiles when they score, there’s no doubt about that. You want the guys to score. It’s meaningful for them. It’s great memories that teaches them to celebrate each other.”
It wasn’t just the freshman that took over. UCLA transfer Isaiah Elohim tied a career-high with 16 points. Also, redshirt sophomore Devin Vanterpool, FAU’s leading scorer and rebounder on the season, had 15 points with nine rebounds. Redshirt junior Niccolo Moretti also had a large impact. While he only took two shots and scored just three points, Coach Jakus said he played a big part in the “set calling” and was the definition of a leader. Moretti was an elite facilitator, moving the ball around the court and finishing with a season-high seven assists.
As a team, FAU out-rebounded Saint Leo 52-23.
Next Up
FAU will remain at home with a matchup against Albany (3-8) on Saturday at noon. After that, they will travel to the West Coast for the first time this season with a matchup against Saint Mary’s on Friday, Dec. 19.