3 takeaways | FAU falls from rankings but soars on court, beating Louisiana Tech

Zach Weinberger
·4 min read
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The FAU men’s basketball team (24-2, 14-1 CUSA) outlasted the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (13-12, 6-8 CUSA) in overtime Saturday afternoon 90-85.

The FAU Owls huddle up during Saturday's game in Boca Raton against Louisiana Tech. The Owls have started a second winning streak, making the Bulldogs their third victim in a row since the 20-game streak ended on Feb. 2.
The FAU Owls huddle up during Saturday's game in Boca Raton against Louisiana Tech. The Owls have started a second winning streak, making the Bulldogs their third victim in a row since the 20-game streak ended on Feb. 2.

Head coach Dusty May and the team didn’t let the news of being unranked get to them. Since the loss on Feb. 2 to UAB that broke the Owls' 20-game winning streak, they’re on a three-game streak and are still undefeated at home (15-0).

May said after the game that the Bulldogs fought to the very end, but his players stepped up.

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More:We're No. 24: FAU men's basketball team ranked for first time in school history

Here are three takeaways from the win:

“Credit to La. Tech, they played really really well. Their guys stepped up and made plays. Fortunately, our guys did as well. Not our best performance defensively. We made some errors. We were loose with our communication,” May said. “But, we've been on the wrong end of a lot of close games that come down to the last couple possessions in overtime, so just fortunate that we have guys who make big shots.”

First-half struggles

The Owls were trying to find their footing on both sides of the ball as the Bulldogs led most of the first half.

May told The Post that they were trying a different game plan than they usually follow, resulting in a loss of rhythm.

Nick Boyd and the FAU Owls have started a second winning streak, making Louisiana Tech their third victim in a row since the 20-game streak ended on Feb. 2.
Nick Boyd and the FAU Owls have started a second winning streak, making Louisiana Tech their third victim in a row since the 20-game streak ended on Feb. 2.

“Typically with the way we play all offseason where we were pretty static, stagnant and trying to throw it into the post because Vlad [Goldin] has proven he can score at an efficient rate, we're trying to get it to him more,” May said. “So everyone's a little bit out of sync when we're used to ball movement, being in space, shooting threes.”

With Goldin coming off a season-high 19 points and nine rebounds, the team wanted to go with the hot hand and make him a focus. However, the team plays better when everyone is involved as the 20-game winning streak previously showed.

In the first half, the Owls shot 33% from three and the shot selection was questionable against a tough Bulldogs defense. They eventually clawed back in as it was tied at 41 at halftime.

Alijah Martin showcase

The Owls were a much better team in the second half and into overtime. Sophomore guard Alijah Martin rose to the occasion with a season-high 26 points on an impressive 6-8 from 3-point territory.

The FAU Owls have started a second winning streak, making Louisiana Tech their third victim in a row since the 20-game streak ended on Feb. 2. They won Saturday in Boca in overtime.
The FAU Owls have started a second winning streak, making Louisiana Tech their third victim in a row since the 20-game streak ended on Feb. 2. They won Saturday in Boca in overtime.

Martin is in a much different role than was last season. The Mississippi provides a spark off the bench.

May acknowledged Martin's new role.

“I thought his teammates set great screens for him, the ball found him and he made some timely shots. Alijah is in a new spot this year where he's the star on everyone’s scouting report, but we have more offensive balance than we've ever had,” May said. “So last year, he had a lot more touches, he was more in flow and now he's in a different place. He’s been in a different role each year at FAU and credit to him.”

Martin said he was in the zone and was feeling good going into the matchup.

“Everything was feeling great including my shots and my teammates,” Martin said. “I’d say shooting wise it was my best game of the season, but overall, I’ve had better in other areas.”

Second-half, overtime renaissance

The Owls showed how battle-tested they are in the second half and overtime, staying poised and overcoming hurdles.

Their turnaround started when they embarked on a 16-0 run as the Bulldogs had a five-minute scoring drought.

Guard Bryan Greenlee finished with 10 points and said the team is at its best when nobody plays selfishly.

“Having a whole bunch of guys that just score offensively just makes me play more selfless,” Greenlee said. “I remember in the second half, I gave up a wide-open 3 off a rebound and then kicked it to Nelly [Johnell Davis] and he swung it to Jalen [Gaffney] who ended up hitting it in the corner. That’s just a prime example of how we play.”

The leading scorer on the season, Johnell Davis finished with 19 points and Vlad Goldin recorded 17 points. Everybody got their share, especially in the closing moments.

The Owls will now travel to face Middle Tennessee on Thursday at 7 p.m., hoping for a season sweep.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: FAU men perfect 15-0 at home, win in OT over Louisiana Tech