Men's Basketball Nipped by WKU 88-85 in Overtime

Thursday, January 15

Boca Raton, Fla.

7:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

7-8, 0-4

WKU

11-5, 4-0

OT 1

WKU

Florida Atlantic

1/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Jan. 15, 2015

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla.- Despite having three players score at least 20 points, the Florida Atlantic University men's basketball team lost to Western Kentucky 88-85 in overtime on Thursday night.

The Owls (7-8, 0-4 C-USA) got off to a fast start, taking a seven point lead less than nine minutes into the game. WKU (11-5, 4-0) was able to rally and briefly took the lead on a Trency Jackson three-pointer. Solomon Poole answered with a three-pointer of his own to retake a three-pointer and the score was tied at 31 at the half.

FAU also began the second half quickly, going on a 21-8 run to take a 52-39 lead at the 11:54 mark. At that point, the Hilltopper press forced the Owls into several turnovers as WKU fought its way back into contention. A T.J. Price layup gave the Hilltoppers a 70-67 lead with fifty-three seconds remaining in regulation.

Marquan Botley was fouled making a layup, but missed the tying free throw. After the Hilltoppers split a pair of free throws, Botley hit a jumper in the lane to force overtime. WKU led by six with just 27 seconds left in the extra session, but Justin Massey hit a three-pointer to cut the lead in half. After Price hit a pair of free throws to push the lead back to five, Botley hit a triple with 11 seconds left to cut the margin to 87-85. WKU split a pair of free throws to push the lead back to three. The Owls had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but the shot missed short.

Botley (22), Poole (21) and Jackson Trapp (20) all scored at least 20 points for the Owls. FAU will host Marshall on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The game will air on ASN and subscription-based live audio of the game will be available through FAUSports.com. All FAU games will be carried on ESPN West Palm 106.3, which has an APP for the Smart Phone platform. For tickets, contact the FAU Ticket Office at 1-866-FAU-OWLS.