Thursday’s result: FAU 70, South Alabama 59
Owls go for Jag-ular
> FAU 70, South Alabama 59: Unlike last time FAU played South Alabama, the Owls were able to close out the game and earn a road victory on Thursday, winning their fourth game in a row
Originally published on
1/28/2010
by
Marcus Nelson
> Audio: Coach Mike Jarvis on ESPN 760 after the game
> Boxscore: Stats from Thursday's game
FAU looked like it could be heading for another frenetic finish with three minutes remaining in its game Thursday vs. South Alabama in Mobile, Ala.
Unlike last time the Owls faced the Jaguars, this time FAU closed out the game by shutting down South Alabama down the stretch in a 70-59 victory.
Earlier this season South Alabama rallied from a 15-point deficit to defeat FAU 96-93 in overtime. It looked like this game could could need extra time, too.
The game was tied at 53-53 with three minutes remaining, but FAU caught fire on offense and clamped down on defense, going on a 17-6 run to finish the game.
“To win on the road, whoa baby, It’s good ,” FAU coach Mike Jarvis said during his post-game radio show on ESPN 760.
Greg Gantt hit back-to-back big 3-pointers to get the Owls’ run started.
“Greg Gantt made two huge threes and free throws to close out the game,” Jarvis said.
Gantt led all scorers with 21 points.
The Owls (11-10, 7-3 Sun Belt) trailed by as many as 10 points in the first half, but came back to take a 29-27 lead at halftime.
In the second half, FAU led 41-33 before the Jaguars (12-10, 4-6) charged back to tie the game. They never did re-take the lead.
The victory was the fourth consecutive for the Owls, who have won six out of their last seven games and maintain a share of the lead in the Sun Belt’s East Division.
GameBrowser: FAU 70, South Alabama 59
Moving forward: Alex Tucker had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. …Sanchez Hughley was 4-of-6 from behind the arc and finished with 16 points. …The Owls had 13 assists and only 10 turnovers
Moving backward: Brett Royster got in foul trouble and only played 22 minutes. …The Owls were outscored off the bench 26-7. …Greg Gantt was 4-of-13 on 3-pointers.
Stat download: 32.8 – Percentage of shots from the field made by South Alabama.
Up next: The Owls return home on Saturday for a big home game against Florida International and coach Isiah Thomas.