Winning on the road during conference play is never easy, however FAU Men’s Basketball was up to the task, finishing off the second half of a back to back road trip with a 75-64 win over Charlotte. It was another hot start for FAU, as through the first 10 minutes they were shooting nearly 70% from the field, however the Owls cooled off which allowed Charlotte to battle back, keeping it within single digits during the first half, before FAU was able to close the door in the second half.
After FAU opened the game with an offensive barrage, they finished the first half shooting 41% from the field and 16% from 3, maintaining a lead of only 5 at the half before finding their groove in the second half, shooting 56% from the field and 44% from 3. While the offense improved in the second half to lead the Owls to a double figure victory, the defense remained consistent throughout, as Charlotte shot 42% from the field and 31% from 3 which was a big factor in FAU’s ability to hold a lead throughout.
It was a diverse effort on both ends of the court for FAU, as they were able to rely on their defense throughout this one and their offense was there when they needed it the most. For FAU coach John Jakus, he credits Baba Miller’s ability to finish at the rim and his team’s consistent defense as catalysts in the victory tonight.
“Baba, what a wonderful job down the stretch. I thought our guards were driving and getting stuck, and he was able to drive and not get stuck. And I thought that was a big deal down the stretch. And then we kind of changed our spacing to make sure he was the one who caught the pass and filled the ball screen. And then from there, I thought we really were able to take off. So incredibly thankful for Baba. And then, you know, it was a tale of two halves, but for us, the second half defense 34% that’s a step forward for us. We’re really thankful for that. So if we can be plus nine on the glass, have less than 10 turnovers, and have under 35% defense, we’ll take that every night,” Jakus said.
This has been an important 2 game stretch for FAU as after 2 unfortunate losses to Michigan State and Memphis, the Owls have bounced back with 2 road wins against AAC opponents and are now rolling with momentum heading into conference play. Tonight FAU displayed some of their best basketball of the season in the second half as they were efficient offensively, converting from the interior and from beyond the arc, while on defense they were pesky, forcing 7 turnovers, which FAU converted into 11 points which was the difference in this game.
In their previous matchup against ECU the Owls struggled with rebounding, allowing 25 offensive rebounds which almost led the Pirates to a comeback victory, however tonight it was a different story. The Owls got a much needed bounce back performance on the glass, winning the overall rebound battle 39-30 and offensive rebound battle 11-9 and despite the Owls lack of offense late in the first half, the 49ers inconsistent offense and inability to create second chances was a big factor in FAU’s ability to get the road victory.
There was a concerted effort from the entire team to crash the glass tonight for FAU, as 6 different Owls recorded 4 or more rebounds and it was a sign of maturity from this team to be able to fix their problem from ECU in a short amount of time on the road. The team effort on the glass was huge for FAU tonight and according to Jakus, the guards’ ability to clash the class along with their frontcourt was what made the difference tonight compared to ECU.
“I had nightmares of CJ Walker for a day, and I think we got to practice, and we fixed some things, and I thought our guys did a good job. I think Tre had nine rebounds, Baba seven. But the thing that’s improved for us is that the guards are starting to help. If they don’t have a job, they go find a job. So to see Leland with five. KyKy with four, Kaleb with four. I think when those guys start helping everything gets better,” Jakus said.
The Owls were led tonight by Baba Miller who finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds on 8 of 11 shooting and while the Owls dealt with inconsistencies at times, he was able to get a bucket for FAU in a variety of different ways. Outside of Miller, Tre Carroll finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds, scoring 11 of his 15 in the second half, while Nico Moretti was the Owls leading scorer off the bench, rounding out the double figure scorers for FAU with 14 points on 5 of 7 shooting, converting both of his looks from beyond the arc.
Despite the Owls top 2 leading scorers coming from the starting lineup, FAU got back to getting a significant contribution from their bench, as they recorded 38 bench points, showing an ability to get scoring from wherever they need it. When this FAU team has been at its best is when their unselfishness allows for anyone to shine and over the past 2 games they have been able to do exactly that.
In the second half tonight, it was the Miller, Moretti and Carroll show as they combined for 32 of the Owls 40 points and after Miller and Moretti combined to score only 12 against ECU, they synced up for 34 total tonight. It can be any given player on any given night for FAU and for Jakus, the ying and yang effect of Miller and Moretti, who are also roommates, is what worked for FAU tonight.
“These guys (Nico and Baba) are roommates, and it’s a ying and a yang tonight. I thought Nico made the reads and then the big time shots, and then when we had to get our point guard off the ball, he was able to make decisions for us down the stretch. So I thought Nico was remarkable, the two from three. That’s good for him. When he makes a couple shots, it’s unbelievable. And then I thought that drive, Steve Nash stop and turn back to his left hand was as good a move as you’re going to see from a point guard at any time. So the patience there was great,” Jakus said.
This team has shown a lot of positive traits over the past 2 games, as against ECU the Owls found their shot from beyond the arc, also recording 20+ assists for the 3rd time this season, while against Charlotte they displayed one of their best defensive performances of the season and an ability to find different ways to put the ball in the basket on offense. The Owls have gotten back on track during their North Carolina road trip and they will look to capitalize on their success as they head back home this weekend for a matchup with UAB.