Super Saturday
The FAU Owls basketball team snaps a 13-game losing streak and wins its first Sun Belt Conference game of the season by defeating Louisiana-Lafayette 63-47 at FAU Arena on Saturday.
Originally published on
1/31/2009
by
Marcus Nelson
Video highlights
BOCA RATON - During its 13-game losing streak, Florida Atlantic Owls basketball coach Mike Jarvis promised his players had not given up on the season.
On Saturday, the Owls showed they still have plenty to play for as they won for the first time since Dec. 13 defeating Louisiana-Lafayette 63-47 at FAU Arena.
“It feels good to win, but the big thing for us is to play hard,” Jarvis said. “The kids continued to do that and if you keep doing that, eventually you are going to win.”
It wasn’t easy for the Owls.
FAU jumped out to a 12-3 lead, but a few moments later ULL trailed just 18-16 and the Owls appeared to be losing control of the game.
However, the Ragin’ Cajuns (7-14, 4-6) who have played eight out of their last 11 games on the road, couldn’t get over the hump.
ULL’s brutal recent schedule, including playing its second road game in the last three days had an effect on their woeful shooting Jarvis said.
“All you have to do is look at 2-of-38,” Jarvis said of the Ragin’ Cajuns three-point shooting. “Not every one of those shots were contested. They had pretty good looks. I think that had as much to do with the travel for them.”
The victory was the first in Sun Belt Conference play this season for the Owls (5-18, 1-10)
"It was good effort," Jarvis said. “The kids continue to work and the young kids continue to get better. It’s all part of the plan.”
GAME REWIND
Slam dunk: Many Owls offered strong performances, but how about the play of Brett Royster, who went 4-for-4 from the field and 6-for-6 from the line? ...FAU made two more 3-pointers than ULL and did so on 30 fewer attempts. ...Freshman Nick Gagel scored the first point of his FAU career.
Off the rim: There wasn't much to complain about from an FAU perspective in this one, though the Owls did turn the ball over 17 times - four more than the Cajuns. ...Paul Graham's shooting slump continues - he made four of his 12 attempts tonight.
From the box score: Paul Graham followed his 10-of-11 free throw performance against Arkansas St. by making 9-of-10 against ULL. The Owls scored 25 of their 63 points from the line.
Up next: FAU travels to New Orleans on Thursday for an 8 p.m. tip-off.
Final shot: Fans don't get to see it often, but the Owls' offense is well suited to play with a lead. They like to work for good shots, which drains the clock, and they make free-throws, which is essential when protecting a lead.
- Analysis by Chuck King