Men's Basketball Falls Short Against Virginia Commonwealth

Saturday, December 9

Richmond, Va.

7:30 PM ET

Florida Atlantic

VCU

12/9/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Dec. 9, 2000

Box Score

RICHMOND, VA -

Robert Williams had his first double-double as an Owl, but it wasn't enough as Florida Atlantic University (2-6) was defeated by Virginia Commonwealth University 70-57 Saturday night in Richmond, VA. Williams, a freshman, scored a career high 16 points and grabbed a personal best 11 rebounds. Jeff Cowans also finished in double figures with 14 points. Willie Taylor led VCU with 16 points and nine rebounds.

FAU jumped out to an early 8-5 lead while making seven of its first 10 field goals. However, VCU (5-3) came back to eventually take the lead for good with 14:09 left in the first half on a LaMar Taylor three-pointer that gave the Rams a 15-12 lead. VCU took a 37-26 lead after the first half.

The Owls opened the second half on an 11-3 run to cut the Rams lead to three points with 15:16 to play. VCU then ran off 14 unanswered points to take a 54-37 advantage with 10:01 left. The Owls got as close as seven points with 4:21 to play thanks in large part to Williams' play on the boards. He finished the game with seven offensive rebounds while scoring 10 second half points.

Trailing 64-57 with 2:58 remaining, FAU was oustcored 6-0 for the remainder of the game.

FAU was outshot 44-percent to 34-percent and committed 22 turnovers compared to VCU's 11. The Owls dominated the Rams on the boards, finishing with a 48-37 edge.

FAU next hosts Birmingham Southern December 18.