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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Owls Travel to Louisville for Holiday Tourney
12/18/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 18, 2005
BOCA RATON, FL - The Florida Atlantic men's basketball team (3-3) heads into the holidays with a trip to Louisville this week, participating in the Billy Minardi Classic at Freedom Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 20 and Wednesday, Dec. 21.
In the most recent outing, senior forward Rodney Webb recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds for his fourth consecutive double-double as FAU fell, 62-44, to the University of South Florida this past Thursday. The Owls remained perfect at FAU Arena on Tuesday, when they defeated the University of Central Florida, 59-54, for their third consecutive win.
The upcoming week will present at least one new challenge for FAU - playing at a neutral site - and the opportunity to go head-to-head with tradition-rich programs.
The Owls tip off Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. against the College of Charleston, a postseason qualifier seven times since 1994. The Cougars have recorded easy wins against Florida Christian, 96-42, and Lees-McRae, 97-47, both of whom were winless at the time.
FAU and Charleston (3-3) have each garnered a win against the University of North Florida at home: FAU by the tally of 77-75 and C of C, 85-63. The Cougars are led by junior guard Dontaye Draper with 16.8 points per game and 16 steals.
The Owls' second game in Kentucky will be against either the host Cardinals (6-1) or Middle Tennessee State (5-2). Louisville, a perennial national power under the guidance of Rick Pitino, is in its first season in the Big East.
Senior guard Taquan Dean leads the Cardinals in scoring (19.6 ppg), rebounding (7.0 rpg), assists (29) and steals (10). Louisville, which started the season with six straight wins against mid-major conference teams at home, was ranked 4th in the nation until losing at the University of Kentucky on Saturday, 73-61.
MTSU will be a regular on the FAU schedule starting next year, when the Owls make the move to the Sun Belt. This season the Blue Raiders have beaten Atlantic Sun member Belmont, 87-75, and have split games with Utah State, winning, 60-59, at home in their season opener before losing, 79-61, out west on Dec. 5.
Senior guard Fats Cuyler is leading MTSU with 14.2 ppg. Junior forward Kyle Young, who shoots more than 70% from the field, is among three regulars that are 6'9" or taller for coach Kermit Davis.
Wednesday's tip time will be announced after Tuesday's game.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's BasketballWeekly Presser w/ Head Coach John Jakus
Monday, December 29
Postgame Presser vs. UCF
Tuesday, December 23
Weekly Media w/ Head Coach John Jakus
Monday, December 22
Get to Know Amar Amkou
Friday, December 19