Stark contrast
Two years after defeating Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., FAU is blown out by the Bulldogs as Owls Mike Jarvis says big changes could be coming soon.
Originally published on
11/13/2012
by
Marcus Nelson
On the court where Florida Atlantic notched one of the biggest victories in school history just two years ago, the Owls never seriously threatened Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum on Tuesday.
FAU turned the ball over 28 times in a 78-58 loss to the Bulldogs.
Even after an 80-56 loss Sunday at No. 11 North Carolina, Owls coach Mike Jarvis expected a better performance from his team.
“More than surprised ...very, very disappointed,” Jarvis said on his post-game radio interview on ESPN-760.
The Owls fell to 0-2, but the biggest concern is the poor play of the Owls' point guards so far this season.
Freshmen Stefan Moody and Cavon Baker have struggled running the point in the first two games of the season.
Jackson Trapp, who has seen plenty of minutes so far this season, started the second half at point guard vs. Mississippi State and Jarvis hinted he could be there for the Owls' game Saturday vs. Coppin State.
“Awful - there's no other word to describe it – Awful,” Jarvis said. “Right now we don't have a point guard. Maybe Jackson Trapp will be our point guard come Coppin State. Who knows?”
And a possible change at guard may not be the only adjustment.
“Tomorrow the coaches will meet and see if we can find something that will click and something that will work because league play starts early this year,” Jarvis said.
Mississippi State (1-1) played most of the game without its top player after guard Jalen Steele was helped from the court after a first-half head injury. It didn't matter. The Bulldogs led by as many as 30 points as coach Rick Ray earned his first career victory after losing in his debut at Troy on Friday.
Owls senior guard Greg Gantt had a team-high 17 points.
Owl Analysis: Mississippi State 78, FAU 58
- Moving Forward: G Pablo Bertone had all 7 of his points in the second half. ...Freshman G Cavon Baker finished with 11 points,
- Moving Backward: The Owls were outscored 48-18 on points in the paint. ...The Bulldogs' thin bench still outscored FAU reserves 40-19. ...Owls C Dragan Sekelja was 1-of-7 from the field and finished with 3 points.
- Key Stat: When FAU defeated Mississippi State in 2010, the Owls set a school record with just four turnovers. On Tuesday, FAU had 27 turnovers, including 18 in the first half.
- Up Next: FAU faces Coppin State at 4:30 p.m.. Saturday in Elon, N.C as part of the Maui Invitational.