Owls Down Rival Panthers 66-64

Saturday, January 21

Miami, Fla.

2:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

8-12, 4-3SBC

FIU

5-14, 2-5SBC

Florida Atlantic

FIU

1/21/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Jan. 21, 2012

Box Score

MIAMI, FL - Two late Greg Gantt free throws proved the difference in the Florida Atlantic men's basketball team's 66-64 win over FIU on Saturday. Jordan McCoy had his first career double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. The game was the fourth in a row between the two teams that has been decided by three points or less.

FAU (8-12, 4-3 Sun Belt) led by five with 35 seconds remaining, but Jeremy Allen hit a three pointer to cut the lead to two, 64-62. After an Owl turnover and a foul, Phil Taylor hit a pair of free throws to tie the game. Gantt attempted what would have been a game winning three-pointer with 00.6 seconds remaining, but was fouled and went to the line. After Gantt hit two of three from the charity stripe, Shavar Richardson knocked away the inbounds pass to secure the victory for the Owls. The second half was a back and forth affair that featured eight ties and six lead changes.

FAU had to shake off a slow start, falling behind 14-4 less than seven minutes into the game, as the Panthers hit five of their first seven attempts from the floor. The Owls fought back into contention behind a 16-6 run, including eight from McCoy.

McCoy scored 18 points and tied his career high with 11 rebounds, while Gantt led the Owls with 19 points.

The Owls will return to Boca Raton to host Western Kentucky on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be televised on Fox College Sports. Live stats and audio of the game will also be available at www.fausports.com.