Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
-59, 12 CUSA
FIU
-412, 03 CUSA
Men's Basketball Holds Off FIU 73-64
1/7/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BOCA RATON, Fla. - A balanced scoring attack aided the Florida Atlantic University men's basketball team in a 73-64 win over FIU on Saturday. The win was the first Conference USA win of the year for FAU. Nine Owls scored in the victory, including four in double-figures.
The Turning Point
FAU (5-9, 1-2 C-USA) led by 15 points with 10:48 to go in the game, but the Panthers (4-12, 0-3) used a 14-3 run to cut the lead to four, 64-60, with just under four minutes remaining.
The Finish
Baskets by Adonis Filer and Nick Rutherford, combined with the Owls holding FIU without a field goal for over three minutes, helped FAU secure the victory.
Notables
- Nick Rutherford led the Owls with 14 points and four assists, while adding four rebounds.
- Adonis Filer had 13 points, four rebounds and an assist.
- Justin Massey continued his hot shooting, making four of his six attempts from the field, while going 2-of-3 from the free throw line for 12 points.
- Jailyn Ingram posted 10 points and four rebounds.
- The Owls snapped an eight-game C-USA losing streak, dating back to Feb. 11, 2016. It was also FAU's first win over FIU in its last seven tries. The Owls' last win against the Panthers came on March 2, 2013.
Quotable
FAU Freshman Forward Jailyn Ingram
On FIU's late rally...
"We thought that anything that (FIU did to) cut down the lead was on us. We knew it was something we had to fix and we did. We had to talk and be more vocal on the court. We also had to be more physical and get defensive rebounds."
FAU Head Coach Michael Curry
"When Nick and Adonis have big defensive assignments, they are usually aggressive getting to the basket as well. They both did a good job attacking the basket today. It was a good win."
Looking Ahead
The Owls will make their first C-USA road trip of the season, beginning on Thursday, Jan. 12 at UTSA. The game starts at 8 p.m. eastern. Live stats will be available at fausports.com. The game also will be broadcast on ESPN 106.3 FM. Live updates will be available at the team's official Twitter account, @FAU_Hoops.
