Florida Atlantic Pulls Off Comeback Over Rice

Sunday, January 19

Boca Raton, Fla.

1 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

10-9,3-3AAC

Rice

11-8,2-4AAC

Rice

Fla. Atlantic

Photo by: Ryan Tran

1/19/2025 4:43:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Ben Paul

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic's men's basketball team took down Rice in a last second thriller at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, winning 75-73 on Sunday afternoon.

In a hard-fought finish, the Owls of FAU (10-9, 3-3 AAC) overcame a 16-point second half deficit, closing the game on a 12-2 run. With the game tied and the ball in FAU's hands, junior forward Baba Miller drew the foul and got to the line with two seconds remaining. He swished both free throws to give Florida Atlantic the victory.

FIRST HALF

Junior guard Leland Walker opened scoring for the Florida Atlantic Owls with five straight points. The offense had a strong start, converting four of their six shot attempts.

Florida Atlantic battled back from an early double-digit deficit thanks to timely three-pointers from graduate guard KyKy Tandy, entering the locker room trailing 43-38.

SECOND HALF

Rice took a 16-point lead with 13-and-a-half minutes remaining. Redshirt freshman guard Devin Vanterpool responded with a three-pointer on the other end, and the comeback was on.

The Owls of Florida Atlantic attacked the basket and leaned on their frontcourt, combining for 23 of their last 25 points. Sophomore forward Kaleb Glenn nailed a jumper inside to tie the game at 73 with 40 seconds to go.

Miller was ultimately the hero of the afternoon on both ends of the floor, securing the rebound that allowed Florida Atlantic to hold the ball for the final possession.

POSTGAME PRESSER

GALLERY

Gallery: (1-19-2025) Rice at Florida Atlantic

STATS & NOTES

Junior forward Tre Carroll led the way for the Owls in scoring (17 points), rebounds (9), and assists (5), the latter two marking his career highs
Miller hauled in nine boards and recorded his 11th game of the season with multiple blocks (three)
Glenn's 10 points all came in the second half
Redshirt sophomore guard Niccolo Moretti nabbed a career-high seven rebounds
Junior guard Leland Walker nabbed three steals
The Owls of FAU outscored the Owls of Rice in the paint, 40-20

UP NEXT

The Owls will take the court on Sunday, Jan. 26, traveling to Denton to face North Texas (13-4, 4-1 AAC). The matchup, tipping off at 2 p.m. EST, will air on ESPNU.

FOLLOW THE OWLS

To stay up to date on all things FAU men's basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.

Florida Atlantic's 2024-25 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.