Monroe sits as Canes handle visiting Owls
Carlos Monroe doesn't play in Owls loss to ACC foe
Originally published on
1/7/2009
by
Chuck King
Florida Atlantic’s loss to the University of Miami on the court may not be nearly as significant as the loss it suffered before Monday’s game at Coral Gables.
Carlos Monroe, a preseason Sun Belt first team selection, sat out the contest, reportedly for to academic issues. It is unclear when or if Monroe will be eligible to return.
A 6-foot-8 power forward, Monroe missed the first nine games of the season because of eligibility issues. The Owls have now lost all six games since Monroe’s return.
Without their featured post presence, FAU relied heavily on outside shooting. Success from behind the arc kept the Owls in the game throughout the first half. FAU trailed by just five at the break thanks to seven first half 3-pointers.
The ACC’s Hurricanes took control early in the second half by asserting their size and depth. Dwayne Collins scored 18 of his game-high 26 points in the final 20 minutes. The Canes pounded the ball down low to their big man for layups or trips to the foul line. Collins converted 12 of 16 free throw attempts – 10 of 12 in the second half – and the Hurricanes led by as much as 18.
Without Monroe and Xavier Perkins, who also missed another game with academic issues, the Owls’ already short bench grew even shorter. Carderro Nwoji led the Owls with 20 points, but fouled out with 8:09 remaining.
Center Brett Royster (three points, two blocks) and reserve guard Chris Watson (six points) also fouled out.
The Owls return to Sun Belt play on Thursday with a trip to Middle Tennessee State.
Box Score
GAME REWIND
Slam dunk: Nwoji nearly single handedly kept the Owls in the game, hitting on 4-of-5 first half three pointers. …The bench played well in spurts, but clearly the Owls needed Monroe and Perkins. … Did anyone expect former FAU marching band member Chris Coleman to play 12 minutes in any game this season?
Off the rim: Paul Graham connected on just four of 17 shots, including 2-of-11 from behind the arc. … Chris Watson only needed 15 minutes to commit five fouls. … Where is FAU basketball’s academic advisor this season?
From the box score: Popular preseason prognostications held that Sammy Hernandez would provide bulk for the Owls, but the Hurricanes held Hernandez scoreless and he grabbed only one rebound in three minutes of play.
Up next: FAU travels to Middle Tennessee State on Thursday before returning home Saturday to battle Western Kentucky.
Final shot: Without Monroe, FAU turns into a strictly perimeter team. The Owls have good enough shooters that they could get hot and steal a few games, but FAU can not compete in the Sun Belt on a nightly basis without an inside presence. If Monroe is lost, the season is lost.