Upcoming Event: Men's Basketball versus UAlbany on December 13, 2025 at 12 p.m.
12 p.m.
Men's Basketball
vs. UAlbany
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Tuesday, December 5
New York, N.Y.
6:30 p.m.
Florida Atlantic
vs
No. 20 Illinois
Photo by: Keira Arimenta
No. 11 Owls Return to NYC to Face No. 20 Illinois in MSG
12/4/2023 5:39:00 PM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK, N.Y. – The No. 11 Florida Atlantic University men's basketball team (7-1) will head to New York City to participate in the first of the two-game Jimmy V. Classic against No. 20 Illinois (6-1) on Tuesday evening. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN.
For the Owls, they return to the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, for the first time since the 2023 NCAA Tournament. It was there that Florida Atlantic took over the Mecca with wins in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight to win the East Regional Championship and clinch their first bid in the Final Four
Florida Atlantic's 2023-24 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
Florida Atlantic played elite basketball on both sides, shooting over 50% from the field and holding the opponents to under 38% shooting in each game.
For the Owls, they return to the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, for the first time since the 2023 NCAA Tournament. It was there that Florida Atlantic took over the Mecca with wins in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight to win the East Regional Championship and clinch their first bid in the Final Four
Florida Atlantic's 2023-24 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
| No. 11 Florida Atlantic (7-1) vs. No. 20 Illinois (6-1) | |
| Game Details | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 6:30 p.m. (EST) | Madison Square Garden | New York, N.Y. |
| Game Coverage | Live Stats | ESPN | Game Notes |
| Florida Atlantic Links | Roster | Schedule | News |
| Illinois Links | Roster | Schedule | News |
| Social Media | X | Instagram | Facebook |
Last Time Out
The Owls concluded hosting the first annual The Field of 68 Tip Off at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. Playing against Liberty on Nov. 30 and Charleston on Dec. 2, FAU achieved victories in both matchups, winning wire-to-wire against the Flames, 83-58, and storming back to defeat the Cougars 90-74 despite a six-point halftime deficit.Florida Atlantic played elite basketball on both sides, shooting over 50% from the field and holding the opponents to under 38% shooting in each game.
Stats & Notes
- FAU's offense continues to lean on junior forward Vlad Goldin inside, who is now leading the nation in field goal percentage (75%). Goldin leads the Owls in points per game (15.4), rebounds per game (7.1) and total blocks (17)
- Two double doubles were recorded in the most recent game against Charleston: one from Goldin (17 points, 12 rebounds) and another by junior guard Johnell Davis (24 points, 10 rebounds)
- Junior guard Alijah Martin is heating up. During the Owls' five-game win streak, he is averaging 17.6 points per game on 48% shooting from the field and 41% from beyond the arc, as well as tallying 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals
- In the seven victories, Florida Atlantic as a team is averaging 88.4 points per game on 55% shooting. The win against Charleston was the fourth time this season the Owls reached the 90+ points mark
- The Owls owned a 46-33 rebounding advantage over the Cougars, moving them to 35-0 over the last two seasons when the win the rebound battle
- Florida Atlantic outscored Charleston 52-24 in the paint
Upcoming
Following the trip to New York, the Owls will have off until Wednesday, Dec. 13 when FIU comes to the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.Follow the Owls
To stay up to date on all things FAU men's basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.
Players Mentioned
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