Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
Middle Tennessee
Owls Come Up Short Against MTSU, 90-76
12/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 21, 2005
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Four Owls hit double figures as the Florida Atlantic men's basketball team lost to Middle Tennessee State, 90-76, in the consolation game of the Billy Minardi Classic at Freedom Hall on Wednesday evening.
DeAndre Rice and Rodney Webb, FAU's top-two point producers on the season, scored 17 points apiece. Paul Graham with 12 and Derrick Simmons with 10 also hit double figures.
Quinton Young added nine points while hitting three of his four 3-point field goal attempts. Brent Crews led the Owls with five assists on the night, and Fred Marshall snagged four steals.
FAU had its best shooting night of the season, shooting 50.8% from the field, and won points in the paint, 34-22. The Owls committed just 13 turnovers while forcing 18, including nine steals.
"We are improving in every game," head coach Matt Doherty stated after the game. "We are playing some tough opponents that challenge us to rise to a new level, and as we continue to grow as a team, we are beginning to see improvements in different areas. These improvements are vital as we look to the full A-Sun schedule to start in January."
The Owls fell behind, 14-5, early in the game but rallied to take the lead, 18-17, with 11:54 remaining in the half. MTSU came back to take a nine-point advantage, 43-34, at the break.
FAU chipped away at the deficit and was in contention throughout the second half, pulling to within six points, 50-44, at the 15:30 mark, but was never able to take the lead.
FAU's most efficient offensive performance of the season was outdone by MTSU, which shot 65.3% from the field and won the rebounding battle, 32-20. The Blue Raiders hit 13 of their 20 3-point field goal attempts.
Fats Culyer had game highs with 23 points and eight assists.
FAU falls to 3-5 with the loss. The Owls will be back in action next Thursday, Dec. 29th when they host Marist at 7:00 p.m. at FAU Arena.
