Owls Fall in Non-Conference Finale

Tuesday, December 23

Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

2 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

8-5,0-0American

UCF

11-1,0-0Big 12

Fla. Atlantic

UCF

12/23/2025 5:20:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Ben Paul

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic men's basketball team came up just short against UCF on Tuesday afternoon, falling 85-80 at the 'Holiday Festiball' at Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

In their non-conference finale, the Owls (8-5) jumped out to a double-digit lead over the Knights (11-1) and held the advantage through most of the first half. UCF took an early lead in the second that it maintained the rest of the way, but FAU put together a late rally, battling in a one-point game with just under two minutes remaining.

FIRST HALF
Junior forward Xander Pintelon had a hot start on both ends of the court, converting two triples and recording two blocks. After six lead changes in the first four minutes, the Owls pulled away with a 9-0 run to go up 19-10.

The lead stretched to as much as 14. The Knights threatened with a 7-0 run in the final two minutes to close the gap to two before sophomore guard Isaiah Elohim drilled a stepback three-pointer at the buzzer to send FAU into the locker room up 38-33.

SECOND HALF
While the Owls fell behind off a quick 9-0 run by the Knights, the game was kept within reach. FAU worked its way inside with five buckets in the paint, two coming from junior guard Kanaan Carlyle.

UCF's lead grew to eight with six-and-a-half minutes remaining, Pintelon and redshirt sophomore forward Devin Williams responded with nine combined points as the former's third make from beyond the arc closed the gap to 73-70. The Owls continued to make their shots, with Elohim converting a pull-up jumper with 1:42 on the clock to cut the Knights' lead to 77-76. Late UCF buckets put the game away before Pintelon reached the 20-point mark at the buzzer.

PRESS CONFERENCE

STATS & NOTES

Pintelon's 20 points are a career high and make him the fourth Owl to tally 20+ in a game on the season.
Carlyle was the Owls' leader with a career-high 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Williams, who entered the day No. 8 nationally in total blocks, added four to his collection.
As a team, the Owls recorded seven blocks to the Knights' one.

UP NEXT
The Owls will kick off American Conference play against UTSA at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. on ESPN+

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 2025-26 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.