Owls Drop Opener 78-74

Friday, November 18

Hamilton, N.Y.

8:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

Colgate

11/18/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Nov. 18, 2005

Final Stats

HAMILTON, NY -- Matt Doherty's Florida Atlantic University debut was spoiled by Colgate, as the Raiders edged the Owls 78-74 on opening night.

"It was fun to be on the sidelines again," Doherty said. "I was proud of the team and their effort, especially in the second half. It would have been easy for them to pack it in, down by 14 at the half and having some calls go the other way."

FAU trailed 48-34 after 20 minutes, in part thanks to three treys by CU's Kyle Roemer. The Raiders shot 76% in the first half.

The Owls' defense tightened in a big way for the final 20 minutes. They allowed the Raiders to shoot just 37%, and forced several turnovers in a 28-5 run to start the second half.

"We really dug in to start the second. We did a great job on defense, and forced their great point guard Alvin Reed to the bench," Doherty said.

The Owls would force 22 turnovers in the game, including 13 steals. FAU had just five turnovers of their own.

FAU would trim the lead to 57-52 at the 10:24 mark on Quinton Young's layup, and a Brent Crews layup at 1:43 would cut the lead to three, 69-66.

They would get no closer however, and the Raiders' Jon Simon made several huge free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Florida Atlantic will return to practice tomorrow in preparation for Monday's opponent, Northwestern. Game-time is set for 8 p.m. EST.