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FAU guard Shavar Richardson has started the last three games. (Owl Access File Photo)

Resurgent Richardson

FAU senior guard Shavar Richardson has used his defense to get more minutes and improve his importance to the team.

Originally published on 1/18/2012

BOCA RATON – Florida Atlantic senior guard Shavar Richardson has seen his offensive production increase lately and the biggest reason is his improved play on the other end of the court.

It's tough to score from the bench and Richardson has earned more playing time as he has turned up his defensive intensity.

“Because I have been playing better defense, it's given me an opportunity to stay on the court,” Richardson said. “And when you know you are going to get more of an opportunity, you can do more.”

Richardson has started the last three games for the Owls and has scored 19 points in the last two games.

Richardson is a good bet to increase those numbers when FAU travels to face Troy on Thursday. In the last two games at Troy, Richardson is averaging 21.5 points per game, including his career high of 31 points in the 2009-10 season.

Owls coach Mike Jarvis is hoping Richardson continues to improve.

“The best way to stay on the floor is to help the team win by playing defense. Shavar knows what to do and he gives us a guy that is heady. We have some guys that are trying to figure it out, but Shavar knows.'

While Richardson is happy with the way he has played lately, he said the next step is to put a complete game together.

“It seems like I've had good games offensively and good games defensively,” Richardson said. “I just need to have both in the same game.”

FAU (6-12, 2-3 Sun Belt)
at Troy (6-10, 1-4)

When: Thursday, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Troy, Ala.
Radio: ESPN760
Streaming audio: ESPN760
Scouting the Owls: FAU guard Ray Taylor has returned to practice and is expected to play vs. Troy after missing the last two games with a concussion. ...FAU trails the all-time series 19-8. ...The Owls commit a Sun Belt-low 12.3 turnovers per game.
Scouting the Trojans: Troy has lost its last three games. ...Trojans junior guard Will Weathers leads the SBC with 6.1 assists per game. ...Troy is expected to switch to a more experienced lineup vs. the Owls
Projected starting lineups:

FAU: Coach Mike Jarvis
G Alex Tucker 5-10 Sr. (4.4 ppg)
G Shavar Richardson 6-3 Sr. (4.5 ppg)
G Greg Gantt 6-2 Jr. (13.7 ppg)
F Kelvin Penn 6-6 Fr.(2.8 ppg)
F Kore White 6-8 Jr. (8.6 ppg)

Troy: Coach Don Maestri
G Will Weathers 6-1 Jr. (11.4 ppg)
G Emil Jones 6-3 Jr. (8.4 ppg)
G Steven Cunningham 6-4 Sr. (6.1 ppg)
F Justin Wright 6-5 Jr. (10.3 ppg)
F Tim Owens 6-9 Sr. (15.3 ppg)