Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Owls Prepare for UCF and USF
12/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 12, 2005
BOCA RATON, FL-- - The Florida Atlantic men's basketball team returns to action this week after taking nine days off for semester finals. On tap are two opponents from outside the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The Owls (2-2, 2-0 A-Sun) kick off the holiday break with their third consecutive game at FAU Arena when they face former conference rival University of Central Florida (4-1), the 2005 A-Sun Tournament champions, on Tuesday, Dec. 13. FAU snapped a six-game losing streak against the Knights last January with a 73-61 win in Orlando.
Coach Matt Doherty's squad comes into the game on a high note, having won its last two outings in dramatic fashion - 77-75 over North Florida and 107-104 in double overtime against Jacksonville. Meanwhile, the Knights lost for the first time this season - in their first road game of the year - 80-47 against Florida on December 3.
Ball control has been the key for the Owls this season, holding a turnover margin of +7.8 per game. FAU has four players averaging double figures in points, lead by DeAndre Rice at 23.3 points per game.
"Our players have been playing hard, and that is being seen in how we are winning the turnover battle," said Doherty. "It is important for us to play both hard and smart. The players are still learning, and this week will be a good opportunity for them to continue growing in our system against quality non-conference opponents."
With the Owls averaging 79.2 points per game and UCF allowing just 63.8 points per game, tempo should play an important role in the game.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, FAU hits the road for the third time season, when the Owls travel to South Florida. Florida Atlantic has never beaten USF, going 0-8 in series history.
The Bulls (4-3) are also solid defensively, allowing 63.4 points per game. Their losses this year include Florida International in double overtime, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Michigan, while holding a 91-78 win over Jacksonville.
"It's important for us to play well against two intra-state teams so that we can be considered one of the top teams in Florida," added Doherty. "Winning these games can do a lot for us in battling for recruits in the state."
General admission for FAU home games at FAU Arena is $10.00, with youth and seniors being $7.00. Youth players wearing their jerseys can get in for just $1.00. Tickets will be half price for the game with UCF.
Both games tip off at 7:00 p.m. and will be heard on WLVJ 1040 AM.
